Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the perfect recipe for a cozy, comforting meal that satisfies all your cravings. This dish combines rich flavors of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a burst of savory ranch seasoning. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner or looking for a meal to enjoy throughout the week, this crock pot recipe is ideal. Not only is it easy to make, but the slow cooker ensures that the soup turns out rich, hearty, and full of flavor every time.
Why This Recipe Works
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a delicious dish that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The combination of tender potatoes, savory bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese makes every bite satisfying. The addition of ranch seasoning adds an unexpected twist, providing a tangy and herby undertone that elevates this dish beyond the typical potato soup.
Using the crock pot allows the potatoes to cook low and slow, resulting in a soup with perfect texture. The heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option) gives the soup its creamy richness, while the option to blend part of the soup adds a smooth consistency. Plus, garnishing it with extra cheese, bacon bits, and fresh herbs enhances its presentation and taste.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 cups diced potatoes, peeled: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well in this recipe.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a creamy, cheesy finish.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: This gives the soup a tangy and zesty kick.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The base liquid that helps cook the potatoes to perfection.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): For creaminess; use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the flavors.
- Optional garnishes: Extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives for added flavor and texture.
How To Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into even-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook uniformly in the crock pot. You want them to be tender and easily mashed once the cooking process is done.
2. Layer the Ingredients
Next, layer your ingredients in the crock pot. Place the diced potatoes at the bottom, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Then, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
3. Add the Broth
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the ingredients, making sure that the liquid covers the potatoes. This will allow the potatoes to cook properly and absorb the flavors.
4. Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook the soup on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The key is to allow the potatoes to become tender and mashable. The low and slow cooking method ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Add Cream and Season
Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version). This step transforms the soup into a creamy, indulgent dish. At this point, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup. This helps thicken the soup while still leaving some potato chunks for texture.
6. Serve
Once your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Add optional garnishes like extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions or chives for added texture and flavor.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choices for this recipe. They break down nicely and give the soup a creamy texture.
- Avoid Over-Blending: If you’re using an immersion blender, don’t blend all the potatoes. Leaving some chunks ensures the soup has a hearty texture.
- Lighten It Up: You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a lighter version of this soup. It will still be creamy without being overly rich.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding diced carrots, celery, or even a handful of spinach toward the end of cooking.
- Customize the Spice: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup.
How to Serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with various sides. Serve it with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy soup.
- A fresh green salad: Light and refreshing, a salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches: For the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate the presentation of your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, serve it with an array of garnishes on the side. Guests can top their soup with:
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon bits
- Freshly chopped green onions or chives
- A dollop of sour cream
- Crushed crackers or croutons for added crunch
These garnishes add texture, flavor, and a burst of color, making the dish even more appealing.
Time and Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low setting) or 4 hours (high setting)
- Total Time: 7 hours and 15 minutes (including prep)
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 people
This recipe is ideal for meal prep, as it can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It’s perfect for a cold winter day or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Bigzazoo’s twist on this classic soup will quickly become a family favorite, with its creamy, savory flavors that are impossible to resist.
Whether you’re making this soup for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, it’s sure to impress. Customize it with your favorite garnishes and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors that make this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup so irresistible.
Give it a try, and it will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
Recipe Card
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: A Comforting Homestyle Dish
Ingredients
- – **6 cups diced potatoes peeled**: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well in this recipe.
- – **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**: Provides a creamy cheesy finish.
- – **1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon**: Adds a smoky savory flavor.
- – **1 packet ranch seasoning mix**: This gives the soup a tangy and zesty kick.
- – **4 cups chicken or vegetable broth**: The base liquid that helps cook the potatoes to perfection.
- – **1 cup heavy cream** or half-and-half: For creaminess; use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- – **Salt and pepper to taste**: To enhance all the flavors.
- – **Optional garnishes**: Extra cheese bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives for added flavor and texture.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into even-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook uniformly in the crock pot. You want them to be tender and easily mashed once the cooking process is done.
2. Layer the Ingredients
- Next, layer your ingredients in the crock pot. Place the diced potatoes at the bottom, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Then, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
3. Add the Broth
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the ingredients, making sure that the liquid covers the potatoes. This will allow the potatoes to cook properly and absorb the flavors.
4. Cook the Soup
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook the soup on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The key is to allow the potatoes to become tender and mashable. The low and slow cooking method ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Add Cream and Season
- Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version). This step transforms the soup into a creamy, indulgent dish. At this point, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup. This helps thicken the soup while still leaving some potato chunks for texture.
6. Serve
- Once your **Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup** is ready, ladle it into bowls. Add optional garnishes like extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions or chives for added texture and flavor.