Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

Comfort food has a special place in many of our hearts, and nothing embodies that better than a warm bowl of soup. Among all the delightful recipes, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup stands out as pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or reminiscing about family gatherings, this soup wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. It’s an effortless dish that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy, making it perfect for families and cozy nights at home.

The beauty of this soup lies in its key ingredients. With 6 cups of diced potatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon, each spoonful delivers an indulgent blend of flavors. Infused with a packet of ranch seasoning mix and simmered in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, the taste just sings. The addition of 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option) creates a rich and creamy texture. The result is a hearty soup that’s flavorful and uncomplicated, making it an instant family favorite.

Making this soup is as easy as gathering the ingredients and following a few simple steps. You start by peeling and dicing the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly. Next, layer the potatoes in the crock pot, sprinkle the ranch seasoning, and add the cheese and bacon. After covering everything with broth, let it cook slowly in the crock pot. Once the potatoes are tender, all that’s left is to stir in the cream and season to your liking. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of soup that delights everyone around the table.

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is particularly great for chilly nights or even potlucks. Its creamy richness is sure to please, and it’s easy to make a large batch to share with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or need a dish to bring to a gathering, this soup will warm hearts and fill bellies.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

• Quick and Easy: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it cook while you go about your day.
• Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common ingredients that many of us already have in our kitchens.
• Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, and packed with flavors that invite seconds.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for families or when you have guests over, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.

Potato Tips

The star of this soup is, of course, the potato. When selecting your potatoes, opt for a starchy variety like Yukon Gold or Russets. They break down nicely, creating that creamy texture we all crave in a soup. Try to choose potatoes of similar size to ensure that they cook evenly. Don’t forget to peel them before you dice; the velvety creaminess of the soup really comes from using peeled potatoes.

Options for Substitutions

• Potatoes: Swap out russets for sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
• Cheese: Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder flavor.
• Bacon: For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh.
• Broth: Opt for vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian version.
• Cream: Use almond milk or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Bacon Bits: For a healthier garnish, use crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds instead.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

When making this soup, it’s important to ensure that your potatoes are cut uniformly. If the pieces are too large, they may not cook through, leaving you with undercooked chunks. Take the time to dice them into even sizes for the best results.

Another common mistake is not seasoning the soup correctly. While the ranch seasoning adds flavor, be cautious with additional salt and pepper. Always taste the soup before adjusting, as the cheese and broth can be salty on their own.

Lastly, avoid lifting the lid of the crock pot too often while it’s cooking. Each time you do, you let precious heat escape, which can extend the cooking time and result in less tender potatoes. Trust the process and let your crock pot work its magic.

What to Serve With Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it with crusty bread for dipping, a fresh garden salad for some crunch, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo. If you want to keep it light, a side of roasted vegetables could also complement the rich flavors of the soup.

Storage Instructions

Store: Cooked soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freeze: If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers.

Reheat: For reheating, you can warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. Alternatively, microwave it in a safe dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Total Time: 8-8.5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2200-2500
• Protein: 60-80g
• Fat: 150-180g
• Carbohydrates: 200-250g

Ingredients

• 6 cups of diced potatoes, peeled
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling the potatoes. Once peeled, dice them into even-sized pieces to help them cook uniformly. This will ensure that every bite of your soup is delightfully tender.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In your crock pot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom. Evenly sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the potatoes, then add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top for those rich flavors to infuse.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the top of the layered ingredients. Make sure the liquid just covers them, which is crucial to achieving the desired creamy texture.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, you can choose the high setting for 4 hours, but for the best flavor, low and slow for 7-8 hours is the way to go. Keep it sealed to trap in all that warmth.

Step 5: Add Cream and Season

Once the cooking time is complete, check that the potatoes are tender. Stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your liking.

Step 6: Serve

Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired.

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather with loved ones, share stories, and enjoy a cherished meal. So, don’t hesitate—try making this reliable dish today. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Feel free to explore similar recipes on our blog for more delicious ideas for your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when ready to serve.

What is the texture of the soup?

The soup has a creamy and thick texture thanks to the potatoes and heavy cream. You can adjust the consistency by blending it for a smoother finish or leaving it chunky.

Is this soup suitable for special diets?

You can easily adapt this soup for special diets. Swap out the cream for a dairy-free alternative and the bacon for a plant-based option for a delicious vegan version.

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