If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is for you! It’s a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-filled potato soup that’s incredibly easy to prepare in your slow cooker. The “crack” in the name refers to the addictively delicious blend of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning, making each spoonful hard to resist. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal-prepping for the week. Set it in the crockpot, let it cook, and get ready to enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (about 4–5 large russet potatoes)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. For extra creaminess, use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese out for 10–15 minutes to soften, making it easier to melt in the soup.
Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Add Ingredients: In a large crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Set and Forget: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the Creamy Ingredients
- Add Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: Once the potatoes are tender, add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream to the crockpot. Stir gently to help the cream cheese melt into the soup. Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon. Continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
Serve
- Top and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining shredded cheese, bacon, and chopped green onions if desired.
Variation
- Loaded Vegetable Soup: Add carrots, celery, and corn to the soup for extra vegetables. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
- Spicy Twist: For a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or top each serving with a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower for potatoes for a low-carb twist while keeping the creamy, cheesy flavor.
Cooking Note
For an extra-thick soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the crockpot. This will create a thicker base while still keeping some of the diced potatoes for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup with warm, crusty bread or buttery biscuits for dipping. A simple side salad pairs nicely to balance the richness of the soup.
Tips
- Soften Cream Cheese: Softening the cream cheese ahead of time ensures it blends more smoothly into the soup without leaving lumps.
- Bacon Tip: For extra crispiness, cook the bacon in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, then crumble it before adding to the soup.
- Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (Low) or 4–5 hours (High)
- Total Time: Approximately 7 hours (including prep and cooking time)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
A: Yes! Sauté the onions in a large pot over medium heat, add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings, and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Add the cream cheese, cream, cheese, and bacon at the end.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella work well in this recipe.
Q: How can I make it thicker?
A: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender until desired thickness is reached.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a cozy, hearty meal that’s incredibly easy to make. With its cheesy, creamy, and bacon-rich flavor, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that takes minimal effort to prepare. Enjoy each spoonful of this decadent, comforting soup!