Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: A Comforting Homestyle Dish
**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.
Yield: 8
Materials
- - **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.