Introduction
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent soup, then look no further than Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. This rich, hearty soup combines the flavors of baked potatoes with a velvety cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and a touch of creaminess, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
The name “Crack Potato Soup” comes from the addictive nature of this dish. Each spoonful is a mouthful of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory spices, making it nearly impossible to stop eating once you start. Perfect for chilly nights, holiday gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of making it in a Crock Pot is that you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day.
In this article, we’ll explore why Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, provide a step-by-step guide for making it, share tips and variations for customizing the recipe, and offer suggestions for serving. Whether you’re a potato soup enthusiast or just looking for something new to try, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and broth makes this soup irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
- Packed with Flavor: Bacon, garlic, and seasonings infuse the soup with savory flavors that elevate the taste.
- Minimal Effort: With the help of the Crock Pot, this soup is easy to prepare, and the slow cooking process allows the ingredients to come together effortlessly.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and can be reheated, making it great for meal prepping for busy days.
- Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste, whether you prefer a spicier version or want to add extra veggies.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 7 hours (15 minutes for prep, 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high)
- Servings: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
- Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 350, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Russet potatoes are ideal for soups due to their starchy texture, which creates a creamy consistency when cooked.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Onion adds flavor depth and a savory base to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall savory taste of the soup.
- 6 cups chicken broth: A rich broth is the base of this soup, providing depth of flavor.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed: Cream cheese adds creaminess and a slight tang, giving the soup its luscious texture.
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for the cheesy, indulgent flavor. You can use mild cheddar if you prefer a less sharp taste.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme enhances the savory notes of the soup and pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A subtle herb that adds a mild, fresh flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavor.
For the Bacon:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Bacon adds a smoky, crispy texture that complements the creaminess of the soup. You can cook the bacon ahead of time or while the soup is cooking.
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich soup.
- Extra cheddar cheese: For topping, if you want an extra cheesy finish.
- Sour cream: A dollop on top for added creaminess.
- Crumbled bacon: For an extra crunch and flavor boost.
First Step: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS
- Peel and Dice the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes, then chop them into small cubes (about 1-inch in size). The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will cook and become tender in the Crock Pot.
- Chop the Onion and Mince the Garlic: Chop the onion into small pieces, and mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain. When it’s cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside for garnish later.
- Cube the Cream Cheese: Cube the cream cheese into small chunks to ensure it melts evenly as the soup cooks. This helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
Second Step: ASSEMBLE THE SOUP IN THE CROCK POT
- Add the Potatoes, Onion, and Garlic: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the Crock Pot.
- Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add the 6 cups of chicken broth to the Crock Pot. This liquid will help cook the potatoes and infuse them with flavor.
- Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Drop the cubed cream cheese into the Crock Pot. The heat from the slow cooker will slowly melt the cream cheese, making the soup extra creamy.
- Cover and Set the Crock Pot: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will develop, and the potatoes will become tender.
Third Step: MASH THE POTATOES AND ADD THE CHEESE
- Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender (you can check by piercing them with a fork), use a potato masher or a hand-held immersion blender to mash the soup to your desired consistency. You can mash some of the potatoes for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for added texture.
- Add the Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. This will give the soup a rich, velvety texture.
- Stir in the Cheddar Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted completely. This will give the soup that decadent, cheesy consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. If needed, add a bit more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preferences.
Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls, making sure to get a generous amount of the cheesy, creamy broth.
- Garnish: Top each bowl with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this indulgent Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. Pair it with a crusty bread roll or a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This soup is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion or your preferences. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy your soup to the fullest:
1. As a Hearty Weeknight Meal
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy weeknight dinner. The creamy, cheesy nature of the soup makes it filling enough to be a meal on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or a piece of warm, crusty bread to round it out.
2. For Potlucks or Gatherings
This soup is an excellent dish to bring to a potluck, party, or family gathering. It’s easy to make in large batches and sure to be a crowd favorite. Consider serving it in a slow cooker on a buffet table to keep it warm throughout the event.
3. For Meal Prep
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is ideal for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on Sunday and store it in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It can also be frozen for longer storage, making it a convenient option for busy days.
4. As a Comfort Food Remedy
There’s something soothing about a hot bowl of soup when you’re feeling under the weather. The creamy, cheesy nature of this soup provides a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy on the stomach.
Recipe Variations
While the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup recipe is delicious as-is, there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
1. Make it Spicy
If you love a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. This will give it a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
2. Add Vegetables
For a more balanced dish, consider adding extra vegetables like carrots, corn, or bell peppers. Simply dice the vegetables and add them to the Crock Pot at the beginning of cooking.
3. Make it Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to worry about any modifications. However, if you plan to serve the soup with bread, make sure to offer gluten-free options.
4. Make it Lighter
If you’re looking to reduce the richness, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You could also reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lighter cheese variety.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Use Fresh Potatoes: While you can use frozen potatoes in a pinch, fresh russet potatoes yield the best results, giving the soup that creamy, hearty texture.
- Keep it Covered: Make sure the lid of your Crock Pot is on tightly to prevent moisture from escaping. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the soup from drying out.
- Stir Occasionally: If you’re cooking the soup on low for several hours, give it a stir once or twice to ensure the ingredients are well combined and to prevent anything from sticking to the sides.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 7 hours
Description
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, indulgent, and ultra-comforting dish that combines the richness of potatoes with a medley of savory ingredients. Made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning, it’s a rich, flavorful soup that will quickly become a family favorite. The slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a thick, velvety texture that’s both satisfying and decadent. Perfect for chilly nights or as a cozy meal to share with loved ones, this soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Russet potatoes are ideal for soups due to their starchy texture, which creates a creamy consistency when cooked.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Onion adds flavor depth and a savory base to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall savory taste of the soup.
- 6 cups chicken broth: A rich broth is the base of this soup, providing depth of flavor.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed: Cream cheese adds creaminess and a slight tang, giving the soup its luscious texture.
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for the cheesy, indulgent flavor. You can use mild cheddar if you prefer a less sharp taste.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme enhances the savory notes of the soup and pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A subtle herb that adds a mild, fresh flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavor.
For the Bacon:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Bacon adds a smoky, crispy texture that complements the creaminess of the soup. You can cook the bacon ahead of time or while the soup is cooking.
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich soup.
- Extra cheddar cheese: For topping, if you want an extra cheesy finish.
- Sour cream: A dollop on top for added creaminess.
- Crumbled bacon: For an extra crunch and flavor boost.
Instructions
First Step: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS
- Peel and Dice the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes, then chop them into small cubes (about 1-inch in size). The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will cook and become tender in the Crock Pot.
- Chop the Onion and Mince the Garlic: Chop the onion into small pieces, and mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain. When it’s cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside for garnish later.
- Cube the Cream Cheese: Cube the cream cheese into small chunks to ensure it melts evenly as the soup cooks. This helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
Second Step: ASSEMBLE THE SOUP IN THE CROCK POT
- Add the Potatoes, Onion, and Garlic: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the Crock Pot.
- Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add the 6 cups of chicken broth to the Crock Pot. This liquid will help cook the potatoes and infuse them with flavor.
- Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Drop the cubed cream cheese into the Crock Pot. The heat from the slow cooker will slowly melt the cream cheese, making the soup extra creamy.
- Cover and Set the Crock Pot: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will develop, and the potatoes will become tender.
Third Step: MASH THE POTATOES AND ADD THE CHEESE
- Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender (you can check by piercing them with a fork), use a potato masher or a hand-held immersion blender to mash the soup to your desired consistency. You can mash some of the potatoes for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for added texture.
- Add the Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. This will give the soup a rich, velvety texture.
- Stir in the Cheddar Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted completely. This will give the soup that decadent, cheesy consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. If needed, add a bit more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preferences.
Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls, making sure to get a generous amount of the cheesy, creamy broth.
- Garnish: Top each bowl with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this indulgent Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. Pair it with a crusty bread roll or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 10g
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, creamy goodness of potatoes, cheese, and bacon with the convenience of slow cooking. With its indulgent flavor and satisfying texture, this soup is perfect for chilly days, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a hearty meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Try it today, and indulge in the creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious bowl of comfort.
