This creamy, cheesy potato soup loaded with bacon and ranch flavors is the ultimate comfort food! Made effortlessly in your slow cooker, it’s perfect for chilly days or an easy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Let the slow cooker do the work with minimal prep.
- Rich and Flavorful: Creamy texture with savory ranch, cheddar, and bacon.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences.
- Family Favorite: A hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 5 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the potatoes, onion, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and half of the bacon to your crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash for Texture: Use a potato masher to slightly mash the potatoes in the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with the remaining bacon, extra cheese, or green onions for garnish. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add sour cream and green onions for a classic loaded flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Thicker Soup: Add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the soup further.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual servings. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns can be used for convenience.
What’s the best type of potato for this soup?
Russet potatoes work well, but Yukon Golds add a creamy texture.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese, cream, and cream cheese alternatives.
How do I make it thicker?
Mash more potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the soup.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or corn make great additions.
What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
Try a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and salt.
Can I cook it on high for a shorter time?
Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours instead of low for 6–7 hours.
What’s the best garnish for this soup?
Green onions, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream are great choices.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you ensure the ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure your crock pot is large enough to handle the volume.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes
If you loved this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, why not try some other comforting and flavorful soup recipes? Here are a few delightful options:
- Discover the rich and creamy flavors of Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup, a perfect blend of vegetables and cheese for a cozy meal.
- Savor the heartiness of Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup, another classic that’s ideal for chilly days.
- Craving something with a spicy kick? Try this Slow Cooker Taco Soup, packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
- For a lighter option, enjoy the goodness of a Healthy Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup, filled with vibrant veggies and nutrients.
- Experience the traditional comfort of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, a dish sure to satisfy the whole family.
These recipes will inspire you to expand your soup repertoire and make the most of your slow cooker.