Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the heartiness of potatoes with the rich flavors of cheese and bacon. This recipe creates a creamy, delicious soup that is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or any time you crave something warm and satisfying.
The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity and the ease of preparing it in a slow cooker. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. All you need to do is chop a few potatoes, throw everything into the crock pot, and set it to cook. The result is a thick, creamy soup that is bursting with flavor and sure to become a cherished favorite.
Why make this recipe
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a fantastic option for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy a warm, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By using a slow cooker, you can prepare the ingredients in the morning, and then let the flavors meld together throughout the day. When you come home, dinner is ready and waiting for you. This soup not only delivers on convenience, but it also packs a punch in terms of flavor. The combination of ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon creates a taste experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
Additionally, this soup is highly customizable. You can easily adjust the thickness by manipulating the amount of heavy cream or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture. It’s also a great way to use up any leftovers, from cooked bacon to extra cheese lingering in the fridge. The soup offers flexibility in its ingredients, allowing you to cater it to your specific dietary needs or taste preferences.
How to make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform pieces, which will ensure even cooking. Layer the potatoes at the bottom of the crock pot, and sprinkle the ranch seasoning over them to infuse the potatoes with flavor. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the potatoes, creating distinct layers that will meld during cooking.
Next, pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid level is sufficient to cook the potatoes thoroughly. The broth will not only help to cook the potatoes but will also contribute to the soup’s overall flavor. Once everything is layered in the crock pot, set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for around 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. The longer cooking time enhances the flavors, making each bite even more delicious.
Once the cooking time is complete, gently stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to give the soup its signature creaminess. You can also season with salt and pepper to taste at this stage. For those who prefer a smoother texture, an immersion blender can be used to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Finally, serve the soup hot, garnished with extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions for that added burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
Directions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces.
- In the crock pot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the potatoes. Add shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Pour the broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring the liquid covers them.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender.
- Serve with optional garnishes like extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low (4 hours on high)
• Total Time: 7-8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
How to serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is best served hot and steaming, ideally in a bowl that allows you to appreciate its creamy texture. Consider pairing it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. The soup is rich enough to stand alone, but adding a salad can provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup. When serving, offer optional garnishes such as more shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and freshly chopped green onions or chives. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also provide exciting layers of flavor and texture.
You can also serve the soup in bread bowls for a fun, interactive dining experience. The crusty bread will soak up the delicious soup flavors, and guests can enjoy every last bite. This hearty dish is particularly well-received at parties and gatherings, providing that ultimate cozy feel that everyone loves. By serving it in an attractive way, you can impress your guests while treating them to a delicious, satisfying meal.
How to store Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Proper storage of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. After the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers. This will help prevent it from absorbing odors or flavors from other foods in the refrigerator. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep or leftover enjoyment.
If you want to keep the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it. Allow the soup to cool before portioning it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. When stored correctly in the freezer, the soup can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, feel free to add a splash of broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Tips to make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
To elevate your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, consider experimenting with different types of cheese beyond standard cheddar. Gouda, pepper jack, or even cream cheese can add unique flavors and textures to the soup. Different cheese combinations can also create a gourmet experience that excites your taste buds.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This will enhance the flavor profile and introduce a zesty kick. If you want a more robust taste, consider including some sautéed garlic or onion in the mix, as they can add aromatic depth to the soup.
Adjusting the thickness of the soup is another area to play with. You might prefer a thicker consistency, in which case you can reduce the amount of broth. Alternatively, for a lighter variation, omit the cream or use half-and-half. Remember, the soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to cater it to your personal palates and dietary preferences.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply use vegetable broth and omit the bacon to create a vegetarian version. You can also add more veggies for flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Absolutely! The soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer storage.
Q: How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: If the soup is too thin, you can puree a portion with an immersion blender or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- to taste Salt and pepper
Optional garnishes
- extra cheese
- bacon bits
- chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces.
- In the crock pot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the potatoes. Add shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Pour the broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring the liquid covers them.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender.
Serving
- Serve hot, with optional garnishes like extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions.
