Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm and comforting. This easy recipe combines the flavors of potatoes, cheese, and bacon, creating a deliciously rich soup that is sure to please everyone in the family. Plus, making it in a crock pot means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
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
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top with extra cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy this cozy dish on a cold evening or as a hearty lunchtime treat.
How to Store Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
To store the soup, let it cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- For creamier soup, blend more of the potatoes before adding the cream.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the mix.
Variation
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding vegetables like carrots or corn can also enhance the flavor and nutrition!
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may change slightly.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance. Just reheat it on the stove or in the crock pot before serving.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can make your own ranch seasoning using a mix of dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley.
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled) Use even-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use different cheese varieties.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon Cook bacon until crispy.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix Can be homemade if preferred.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) Use for a creamier texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to personal preference.
Optional garnishes
- extra cheese For added richness.
- bacon bits Enhances flavor.
- chopped green onions or chives Freshness and flavor boost.
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 the soup hot in bowls.
- Top with optional garnishes like extra cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions.