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
Scale
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