Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup – Creamy, Cheesy & Loaded with Flavor!
This Crock Pot crack potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and plenty of cheese, it’s a creamy and satisfying soup that’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, or potlucks. It’s easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients that come together in the crock pot, filling your kitchen with delicious aromas as it cooks. One bowl of this creamy, cheesy soup, and you’ll see why it’s called “crack” potato soup—it’s truly addictive!
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (about 3-4 large russet potatoes, peeled if desired)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8 slices)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Optional toppings: extra bacon, green onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream
Preparation
- Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
In a large crock pot, combine diced potatoes, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything to ensure the potatoes are well coated with seasoning. - Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. - Add Cream Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, add the cream cheese cubes to the crock pot. Stir gently and allow it to melt into the soup for a creamy texture. You may need to stir occasionally to help it fully blend. - Stir in Cheese and Milk
Add shredded cheddar cheese and milk or heavy cream, stirring until melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. - Add Bacon
Stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon, reserving some for topping if desired. Let the soup heat through for another 5-10 minutes. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional bacon, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy your creamy, savory bowl of crack potato soup!
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Loaded with Veggies: Include chopped carrots, celery, or corn for extra texture and nutrients.
- Extra Creamy: Swap out regular cream cheese for whipped cream cheese for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Vegan Option: Substitute with vegetable broth, plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and coconut cream for a creamy, vegan version.
Cooking Note
For thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the crock pot just before adding the cream cheese and cheddar, or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a light green salad. This soup also pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a bowl of buttery crackers for added crunch.
Tips
- Softened Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese before adding it to the soup to help it melt smoothly.
- Prep Ahead: Dice potatoes the night before and store in water in the refrigerator. Drain before adding to the crock pot.
- Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: Up to 7 hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQs
- Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, cook the potatoes in the broth over medium heat until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Follow the same instructions for adding the cream cheese, cheese, and bacon. - How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken, mash some of the potatoes in the crock pot, or mix in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. - Can I freeze this soup?
While you can freeze it, the texture may change due to the dairy. If freezing, add the milk and cheese after reheating.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot crack potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded delight that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Perfect for cold nights, it’s a warming, satisfying soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your slow cooker, gather these simple ingredients, and let the delicious aromas fill your home. Enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!