Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with our amazing Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup! This rich, creamy, and incredibly hearty soup brings together all your favorite flavors in one easy dish. The slow cooker does most of the work, making prep a breeze for busy home cooks. You’ll love its irresistible cheesy bacon ranch profile, delivering that truly crowd-pleasing “crack” flavor everyone craves. It’s perfect for cozy nights and family meals, offering pure deliciousness with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Irresistible Flavor: This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup boasts a mouthwatering combination of cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and savory ranch seasoning. It’s a flavor explosion that keeps you coming back for more, truly making every spoonful a delight.
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into your slow cooker. It’s a truly hands-off recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen time, ideal for busy parents and schedules.
- Weeknight Winner: A perfect solution for busy evenings or meal prepping ahead. You can have a delicious, warm meal ready without the stress or fuss.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Enjoy a hearty, warming bowl that satisfies everyone. This comforting soup is a guaranteed family favorite, perfect for cold weather.
- Simple Customization: Easily adapt this versatile recipe to suit your family’s preferences with basic pantry staples and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. The blend of savory and creamy elements ensures a perfect, comforting bowl of cheesy potato soup every time.
- 1¼ cups cooked bacon, (chopped and divided)
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, (extra for serving)
- 1 cup half and half
- green onion, (chopped for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
- Bacon: Pre-cooked is fastest. If cooking fresh, ensure it’s crispy.
- Potatoes: Frozen diced are convenient. Use 2 lbs fresh russets, diced ½-inch, if preferred.
- Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor. Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Canned works best. A homemade flour-butter-broth roux can substitute.
- Cream Cheese: Soften completely at room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure a silky Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. This simple step makes all the difference for a smooth result.
- Ranch Seasoning: Use a 1-ounce dry packet for authentic flavor. Bottled dressing is not suitable.
- Dairy: Half and half offers richness. Milk or heavy cream can also be used.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best taste. Other melty cheeses like Colby Jack work too.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful slow cooker crack potato soup.
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is essential for this recipe, ensuring even cooking.
- Measuring Tools: You’ll need measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions.
- Stirring Utensils: A sturdy stirring spoon or ladle is helpful for mixing and serving this thick soup.
Instructions
Making this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is wonderfully straightforward, designed for beginners and busy cooks. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect meal.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced potatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup, the cubed and softened 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and 1 cup of the 1¼ cups cooked bacon to your 6-quart slow cooker. This forms the delicious base.
- Stir and Cook: Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Cover your slow cooker and cook the soup on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, ensuring the potatoes are fully tender.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Approximately 15 minutes before you plan to serve, open the slow cooker. Stir the soup well to ensure the cream cheese has fully incorporated into the broth, creating a creamy base. Then, pour in the 1 cup half and half and add the 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Melt and Serve: Cover the slow cooker again and allow it to warm for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is piping hot.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the hot Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with chopped green onion, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and the remaining ¼ cup bacon pieces, if desired. Serve immediately and savor every delicious, comforting bite!
Stovetop Instructions
Don’t have a slow cooker? You can still enjoy this hearty Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup on the stovetop!
- Combine: In a large pot, combine frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, dry ranch mix, pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup cooked bacon.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
- Finish: Stir in half and half and cheddar cheese until melted and hot. Garnish and serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Master your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup with these useful tips and avoid common pitfalls for a perfect bowl every time.
- Thickening or Thinning: For a thicker soup, mash a cup of cooked potatoes and stir them back in. If too thick, add extra broth or milk until desired consistency.
- Flavor Adjustments: Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Consider adding garlic powder for an extra boost.
- Cream Cheese is Key: Always use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly into your creamy slow cooker potato soup, resulting in an uneven texture.
- Dairy Timing: Add half and half or other dairy towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling, especially when cooking on high heat. According to culinary experts, heating dairy gently over medium-low heat is crucial to prevent it from curdling in sauces and soups.
- Avoid Overcooking: Stick to suggested cook times to prevent mushy potatoes. Tender is good; disintegrating potatoes will affect your soup’s texture.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This hearty Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is versatile for meals and stores beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Pair with crusty bread, rolls, or cornbread for dipping.
- Fresh Side: A simple side salad offers a refreshing contrast.
- Garnish Options: Offer extra shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and chopped green onions as toppings.
- Hearty Meal: Serve alongside a light sandwich for a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave for a satisfying meal.
- Adjust: Add a little broth or milk if the soup is too thick after storage.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional values provided below are estimates. They can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used in your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. These figures are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional dietary advice. We strongly encourage you to calculate exact values if specific dietary needs are a concern.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Fat | 39 g |
| Saturated Fat | 21 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.03 g |
| Cholesterol | 116 mg |
| Sodium | 1380 mg |
| Potassium | 282 mg |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 1041 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.4 mg |
| Calcium | 356 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup of cooked bacon in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Fifteen minutes before serving, stir the soup, then add half and half and cheddar cheese. Cover and heat until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onion, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and the remaining ¼ cup bacon pieces.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Get answers to common questions about making the perfect Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
- Q: When do I add the cream cheese for this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup? A: Add the softened, cubed cream cheese at the very beginning with the other initial ingredients. You’ll stir it thoroughly during the last 15 minutes of cooking to ensure it fully melts and incorporates smoothly.
- Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen diced potatoes? A: Absolutely! Peel and dice about 2 pounds of russet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh potatoes can sometimes cook faster.
- Q: Is it okay to use bottled ranch dressing instead of the dry mix? A: We don’t recommend using bottled ranch dressing for this recipe. The dry ranch seasoning packet provides the concentrated flavor and consistency essential for that authentic “crack” taste.
- Q: How can I make this slow cooker potato soup vegetarian? A: To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use a can of cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. Omit the bacon entirely for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup truly delivers on flavor and simplicity. Its rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness makes it an ultimate comfort food that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting gatherings, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again for delicious, stress-free meals. Don’t wait – try this irresistible soup today! We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
