When I first tried Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup recipe, I couldn’t believe how amazing it turned out! The creamy texture mixed with savory bacon created a rich, comforting dish that my whole family loved.
Now, it has become one of my go-to recipes for weeknights when I want something quick but indulgent. If you’re a fan of comfort foods, this soup pairs perfectly with breakfast classics like this grilled cheese recipe. Trust me, you’ll savor every spoonful of this hearty soup!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This recipe is quick and easy, thanks to a mix of fresh and convenience ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked bacon (1¼ cups): Adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. Pro tip: Use freshly cooked bacon for the best taste and texture.
- Frozen diced potatoes (1 32-ounce bag): These save you chopping time and bring the perfect consistency. Avoid shredding for this recipe to maintain texture.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides a savory base that enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 10.5-ounce can): Adds a creamy, velvety texture to the soup.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Makes the soup decadently rich while adding a tangy flavor.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 1-ounce packet): This seasoning packet perfectly complements the bacon and potatoes.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses the dish with a mild, savory onion flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Brings a bold cheesy flavor that melts beautifully into the soup.
- Half and half (1 cup): Makes the soup extra creamy without being overly heavy.
- Green onions (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness to balance the richness of the soup.
Note: This recipe serves 6 people, making it perfect for large families or meal prep.
Variations for Potato Soup Greatness
Want to try something a little different with your soup? These substitutions and add-ins can make the recipe your own:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and half-and-half with dairy-free alternatives like unsweetened almond milk or vegan cream cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Extra Flavor Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red chili flakes for an extra layer of depth.
- Loaded Style: Try stirring in cooked sausage or extra shredded cheddar for a loaded potato vibe!
Cooking Time
Here’s how the time breaks down for preparing this recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours (or under 3½ hours on high)
Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure you have the following tools to get started:
- Crockpot: The star of the show for slow cooking everything to perfection.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping cooked bacon and green onions.
- Mixing spoon: To stir and combine ingredients evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient additions.
- Grater: If you’re shredding sharp cheddar cheese yourself for extra freshness.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe
Making this recipe is as simple as tossing everything together and letting the crockpot do the work! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by adding your frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese (cubed), Ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup of cooked bacon pieces to a 6-quart crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Set the Crockpot
Cover the crockpot securely and set it to low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld wonderfully.
Step 3: Stir and Add Dairy
About 15 minutes before serving, give everything a good stir to melt the cream cheese fully. Then pour in the half-and-half and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted into the soup.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, garnished with green onions, a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese, and some crispy bacon on top. The final touches make each bowl irresistible!
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, here’s how to amp up your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup:
- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for a robust cheesy flavor.
- Don’t skip stirring the soup! It ensures the dairy ingredients blend without clumping.
- If you like thicker soup, mash some potatoes once cooked before serving.
- Add more texture by reserving some crispy bacon for garnishing instead of mixing it all in.
- Serve with crusty bread or corn muffins for a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Presentation takes this dish to the next level. Serve the soup in pretty ceramic bowls topped with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, and some crumbled bacon for that Instagram-worthy look.
Pair it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich or homemade rolls to round out the meal. If you’re hosting guests for dinner, check out some more creative dinner recipes for other hearty options.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of key nutritional information per serving of this soup:
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 39g
How to Store Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This soup is great for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to store it effectively:
- Refrigerating: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently over medium heat on the stove.
- Freezing: Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or crockpot, adding extra broth or milk for desired consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s more than one reason to fall in love with this crockpot soup recipe. Here are a few:
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into a crockpot and relax!
- Customizable: Perfect for dietary adjustments and personal flavor tweaks.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness.
- Amazing Leftovers: Enjoy it over the next few days without losing any flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will adore this dish!
Once you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to pair it with treats like these cookie butter cookies for dessert. Trust me, this comfort food combo is unbeatable!
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can! Dice them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes may add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
Try making your own blend with dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder for a similar taste.
Will this taste the same without bacon?
While bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor, you can replace it with vegetarian alternatives like smoked paprika or vegan bacon bits for a similar vibe.
Can I freeze this soup after adding cheese and half-and-half?
It’s better to freeze the soup before adding the dairy ingredients. Once reheated, you can stir in the cheese and half-and-half for better texture.
Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
Yes! Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and replace half-and-half with milk for a lighter alternative.