Are you craving a comforting bowl of creamy soup that’s quick to make and packed with delicious flavors? Look no further than this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup! A hearty blend of savory bacon, creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and a perfect hint of ranch seasoning, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s made in the crock pot, so you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal waiting for you when you get home.
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Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is more than just a soup—it’s a comforting dish that combines ease with incredible taste. With a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a rich, creamy soup that your whole family will love. It’s perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, hearty soup:
• Cooked Bacon: Adds a savory, salty crunch that perfectly complements the potatoes and creamy base.
• Frozen Diced Potatoes: These provide the perfect texture and are a huge time-saver.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that enhances the richness of the soup.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds thickness and an extra layer of creaminess.
• Cream Cheese: Brings a velvety texture and a tangy richness to the soup.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Infuses the soup with that signature ranch flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and bacon.
• Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and seasoning.
• Onion Powder: For a hint of savory onion flavor without the texture of actual onions.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This bold cheese melts into the soup, making it extra creamy and flavorful.
• Half and Half: Gives the soup a smooth, luxurious consistency.
• Green Onion: Adds a fresh, slightly zesty garnish to finish off the soup.
Ingredient Swaps for Special Diets
Not everyone has the same taste preferences or dietary needs, so here are a few swaps you can make:
• Bacon Alternatives: Try turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon substitute if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Non-Dairy: If you prefer to keep it dairy-free, swap the cream cheese for a non-dairy alternative and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of half and half.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the ranch dressing mix you use is gluten-free, or make your own at home for an easy gluten-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Making this soup is as easy as throwing everything into your crock pot and letting it cook. Here’s how:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Add the frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, black pepper, and onion powder into your slow cooker. Add 1 cup of the cooked bacon to the mix.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Final Stir: About 15 minutes before serving, open the lid and stir the soup well to incorporate the cream cheese into the soup.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in the half and half and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Cover the slow cooker again and let the cheese melt through the soup.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the soup with green onions, extra shredded cheese, and additional bacon pieces for a bit of extra crunch and flavor.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup gets too thick, simply add more chicken broth or half and half until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Avoid Overcooking the Bacon: If you’re using crispy bacon, add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
• Cream Cheese Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps it blend more easily into the soup.
• Freezing and Storing: This soup makes excellent leftovers! Store any extra soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just reheat and add a little extra broth if needed.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with various sides:
• Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread, homemade cornbread, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, crispy onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Twist: For a spicy version, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
Make-Ahead and Leftovers
One of the best things about this soup is that it’s perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth or milk, as the potatoes absorb much of the liquid while it cools.
A Hearty Meal for Every Season
Whether it’s the middle of winter or a cool fall evening, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a go-to comfort food that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this soup is the perfect meal for any occasion—whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy bowl to warm up with after a long day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy textures, savory bacon, and the rich flavors of ranch seasoning. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or as a warm treat on a cold day, this soup will become a household favorite. With its easy preparation, simple ingredients, and delicious taste, it’s the kind of meal that makes cooking feel effortless while satisfying every craving. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and toppings to make this soup your own!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen diced potatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just dice them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker. You may need to extend the cooking time by 30-45 minutes depending on the size of the potato chunks.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup makes fantastic leftovers. You can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy texture.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, for a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese, half and half, and cheddar cheese with non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based cheese. Make sure to check that your ranch dressing mix is also dairy-free.
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Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food that combines savory bacon, creamy cheese, and hearty potatoes. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups cooked bacon, chopped and divided
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup half and half
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Combine frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, black pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup of cooked bacon in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir the soup to incorporate the cream cheese. Then, stir in the half and half and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and remaining bacon pieces before serving.
Notes
- Frozen diced potatoes work best for texture, but you can use shredded hashbrowns instead if preferred.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use heavy cream in place of half and half.
- For a spicier variation, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- This soup makes great leftovers, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1380mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
