Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe
Potato soup is one of those classic comfort foods that everyone loves. But when you add a few extra ingredients to take it to the next level, it becomes something truly special. Enter Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup—a rich, creamy, and absolutely addictive dish that will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!).
This soup is perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm and hearty, and the best part is that it’s made in a slow cooker, so it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. We’ll walk you through the ingredients, the step-by-step process, and some tips and tricks to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time. Plus, we’ll explore some delicious variations and serving suggestions to help you customize the recipe to your taste.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
The Base: Potatoes and Broth
The star of this soup is, of course, the potatoes. You’ll want to use a starchy potato like Russet for this recipe, as they break down nicely during cooking and create a creamy texture. You’ll need about 6 cups of diced potatoes, which is roughly 4-5 medium potatoes.
Chicken broth serves as the base liquid for the soup, adding flavor and richness. You’ll need 4 cups of chicken broth, but you can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version.
The Creamy Element: Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream
The “crack” part of this soup comes from the creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy combination of cream cheese and heavy cream. You’ll need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened, and 1 cup of heavy cream. The cream cheese adds a rich texture and tangy flavor, while the heavy cream makes the soup luscious and velvety.
The Flavor Boosters: Ranch Seasoning, Bacon, and Cheddar Cheese
To give this soup its signature “crack” flavor, we’re adding a packet of ranch seasoning mix. This seasoning blend brings a zesty, herby flavor that complements the creamy soup base beautifully.
Bacon is another key ingredient, adding a smoky, salty crunch to each bite. You’ll need about 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
Cheddar cheese adds another layer of richness and cheesy goodness. You’ll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar, plus a little extra for garnishing.
The Aromatics: Onion, Garlic, and Spices
A medium-sized onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced, provide a flavorful base for the soup. Sautéing these ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker helps to deepen their flavor.
Spices like salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper round out the seasoning, giving the soup a balanced and slightly spicy kick.
Garnishes: Green Onions, Extra Cheese, and More Bacon
No bowl of crack potato soup is complete without a few garnishes. Sliced green onions add a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich soup, while extra shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon make for an indulgent finish.
Essential Tools for Making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
A slow cooker, or Crock Pot, is essential for this recipe. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while creating a tender, creamy soup. A 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
Large Skillet
A large skillet is handy for cooking the bacon and sautéing the onions and garlic. This step adds depth to the flavors before they go into the slow cooker.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
You’ll need a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for dicing the potatoes and chopping the onions and garlic. A good knife makes prep work much easier and more efficient.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are key to a balanced and flavorful soup. Make sure you have measuring cups and spoons on hand to measure out the broth, cream cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings.
Ladle and Serving Bowls
A ladle is the best tool for serving this thick, hearty soup. Have some bowls ready for serving, along with spoons for stirring in garnishes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook and the creamier the soup will be. Set the potatoes aside.
Next, chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. These aromatics will add a lot of flavor to the soup, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and browned. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, using the bacon grease left behind, sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step adds a depth of flavor to the soup that is well worth the extra effort.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the diced potatoes, sautéed onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a fork.
Step 6: Add the Creamy Elements
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, it’s time to add the creamy elements. Stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture while still leaving some chunks of potato for added texture.
Step 7: Add the Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
Stir in the crumbled bacon (reserving some for garnish) and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Tip 1: Use a Mix of Potatoes
For an even richer texture, consider using a mix of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. The Russets will break down and create a creamy base, while the Yukon Golds will hold their shape and add a buttery flavor.
Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Bacon
Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch to the soup, but be careful not to overcook it. Bacon that’s too crispy can become hard and difficult to eat once it’s stirred into the soup. Aim for bacon that’s just crispy enough to crumble easily.
Tip 3: Use an Immersion Blender for Extra Creaminess
If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can blend the entire soup or just a portion of it, depending on how creamy you want it to be.
Tip 4: Make It Spicy
If you like a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup along with the other seasonings. This will give the soup a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy, cheesy base.
Tip 5: Customize with Extra Vegetables
Feel free to add extra vegetables to the soup for added nutrition and flavor. Diced carrots, celery, or corn would all be great additions. Add them to the slow cooker along with the potatoes and onions.
Variations of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Variation 1: Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup
For a healthier twist, add 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The broccoli will cook just enough to become tender without losing its bright green color. Stir in an extra cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a deliciously cheesy broccoli potato soup.
Variation 2: Loaded Crack Potato Soup
Take this soup to the next level by adding all the toppings you’d find on a loaded baked potato. In addition to the bacon and cheddar, add a dollop of sour cream, chopped chives, and even some crispy fried onions. This version is perfect for a hearty meal on its own.
Variation 3: Southwest Crack Potato Soup
Give the soup a Southwestern flair by adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans, a cup of frozen corn, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with a teaspoon of chili powder and a pinch of cumin for a spicy, flavorful twist.
Serving and Storing Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Serving Suggestions
This soup is incredibly rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, a slice of crusty bread, or a side of steamed vegetables. For a truly indulgent meal, serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a baked potato with all the fixings.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
Freezing Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in a pot on the stove, adding extra broth or cream if needed.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is sure to become a favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. Plus, with all the variations and customization options, you can make it your own every time.
Enjoy your delicious, addictive Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, and don’t be surprised if your family starts requesting it on a regular basis!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe
Potato soup is one of those classic comfort foods that everyone loves. But when you add a few extra ingredients to take it to the next level, it becomes something truly special. Enter Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup—a rich, creamy, and absolutely addictive dish that will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!). This soup is perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm and hearty, and the best part is that it’s made in a slow cooker, so it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of diced potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the crock pot, place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Add the Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid just covers them.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
- Add Cream and Season: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired.