Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a comforting dish that combines creamy potatoes, cheese, and bacon. It’s perfect for cold days or when you want something warm and satisfying. This soup is easy to make and cooks slowly in a crock pot, letting all the flavors blend beautifully. Plus, it requires minimal effort, as you can set it and forget it until it’s ready to serve.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
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 and 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.
How to Serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
You can serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup in bowls, topped with extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions for added flavor and color. It pairs nicely with crusty bread, crackers, or a light salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
To store any leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, and it will last for about 2 to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Make sure to cut the potatoes into even sizes for consistent cooking.
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning taste based on your preference; add more or less ranch seasoning as desired.
Variation
You can customize this soup by adding different ingredients such as sautéed onions, garlic, or even vegetables like corn or peas. If you want a healthier version, consider using low-fat cream or substituting some ingredients with alternatives.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used, but they may require a slight adjustment in cooking time.
Can I make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add more veggies for flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the soup before serving.
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled) Cut into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Add extra for garnishing if desired.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon Substitute with vegetarian bacon for a vegetarian option.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix Adjust quantity based on taste preference.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) Low-fat cream can be used for a healthier option.
- to taste Salt and pepper
Optional Garnishes
- extra cheese for topping
- bacon bits for topping
- chopped green onions or chives for topping
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 and season with salt and pepper. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender.
Serving
- Serve in bowls, topped with optional garnishes like extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions.
