Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

Ah, my darling kitchen friends! Today, I’m bubbling over with excitement to share a recipe that has nestled warmly within the hearts of my family — the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. It’s a cozy creation I stumbled upon during a chilly autumn evening, nestled between the pages of a well-loved cookbook. The idea of combining creamy potatoes, rich cheese, and smoky bacon made my heart flutter with joy and my taste buds dance!

Table of Contents

Imagine entering your kitchen after a long day, greeted by the delectable aroma of savory, cheesy goodness wafting through the air, wrapping you in a warm hug. The first spoonful brings a comforting wave of creamy satisfaction, with a delightful crunch of bacon in every bite — pure magic! I knew instantly this would become a beloved staple in my home, perfect for family gatherings or simply a quiet night in. Trust me, you’ll love this dish just as much as we do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Peasy: Pop the ingredients into your Crock Pot, set it, and forget it! Cooking doesn’t get much simpler than this.
• Flavor Explosion: Every bite is a tantalizing medley of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, this soup is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s like a party in a bowl!
• Wonderful Aroma: The warm scents of bacon and cheese fill your home, making it feel cozy and inviting.
• Adaptable: You’ve got room to play with the flavors and add your personal touch!

Ingredients

• 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled): These are the heart of the soup! Use your favorite variety — Russet or Yukon Gold are both great choices for creamy texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A flavorful staple! Don’t shy away from bold or sharp varieties for a richer taste.
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Bacon lovers rejoice! This adds that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor.
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: This magical mix brings a burst of flavor to your soup. Feel free to use homemade ranch seasoning for a personal touch!
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Choose carefully! A high-quality broth will deepen the flavor profile of your soup.
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): This adds a luscious richness to the soup. You can swap it for a lighter option, but where’s the fun in that?
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always a must! Adjust according to your preference.
• Optional garnishes: Extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions — go wild! They add an extra layer of flavor and a fun finishing touch.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Peel and Dice the Potatoes

Start by peeling those potatoes and dicing them into even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly! The sight of fresh, white potato chunks is pure joy.

Layer the Ingredients

In the Crock Pot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom. Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the potatoes, followed by your shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Oh, the sight of those layers is simply delightful!

Pour in the Broth

Now, pour the chicken or vegetable broth over everything, ensuring it covers the layered ingredients. The magical bubbles that start to form as it warms up are proof of deliciousness to come!

Cook Away!

Set your Crock Pot on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until those potatoes are tender. The smell that will begin to fill your kitchen is positively heavenly!

Stir in the Cream

Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. As you do this, the rich texture will envelop the ingredients like a soft blanket. If you prefer a smoother soup, just grab that immersion blender for a quick whirl!

Serve with Garnishes

Ladle your comforting soup into bowls and don’t forget those optional garnishes! Extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chopped green onions will take it to the next level.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Uniform Potato Pieces: Make sure your diced potatoes are of similar size to ensure even cooking.
2. Explore Different Cheeses: Try adding gouda or pepper jack for a fun twist on the classic cheddar.
3. Make it ahead: This soup can easily be prepped the night before; just assemble and store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
4. Control Consistency: Gradually add the cream and mix; you can always add more if you prefer it richer.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize! Add in some sautéed onions or garlic for extra flavor. You can swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes for a delightful kick!

Serving Suggestions

This delightful soup pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread for dipping. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or a warm apple cider brings an inviting balance to the meal.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and simply turn on the Crock Pot when you wake up. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Leftovers

Don’t let those lovely leftovers go to waste! You can use them to make baked potato skins or even stir them into a pasta dish for a creamy twist!

Freezing

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave, but give it a stir every 30 seconds to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon for a hearty vegetarian option.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh potatoes will give you the best texture and flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Of course! Feel free to toss in some carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.

Is it necessary to use an immersion blender?
Nope, it’s entirely optional! If you like your soup chunky, skip this step!

Final Thoughts

Ah, my dear friends, as you serve up bowls of this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, I hope it fills your home with warmth and joy, just as it does mine. May each spoonful bring laughter, love, and a cozy feeling that wraps around you like your favorite blanket. Until next time, keep cooking, keep smiling, and always, always taste it! Happy cooking from your friend, Chef Caroline.