Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup recipe is simple & delicious, combining creamy potatoes, bacon, and cheese in your slow cooker for minimal effort. For more easy comfort food, try the Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Soup or the Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect hearty meal for busy days.
Ingredients
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup combines creamy textures with savory, cheesy flavors for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- 30 oz frozen diced potatoes (or frozen shredded hashbrowns)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, diced
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 12 slices cooked bacon, chopped (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup half and half (or milk or heavy cream)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Timing
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 4 hours |
Total Time | 4 hours 15 minutes |
Context: This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to its streamlined prep and slow cooker convenience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all ingredients for your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: potatoes, bacon, cheese, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and sour cream. Chop potatoes into ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Shred the cheese and cook bacon until crisp, then crumble.
Step 2 — Layer Potatoes in Slow Cooker
Place diced potatoes in the bottom of your crock pot. Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor as the potatoes cook and absorb the seasoning.
Step 3 — Add Liquids and Bacon
Pour chicken broth over the potatoes until they are nearly covered. Add most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
Step 4 — Cook on Low Heat
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Potatoes should be fork-tender when done. Avoid opening the lid frequently as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
Step 5 — Create Creamy Base
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together sour cream and flour in a separate bowl. Temper the mixture by slowly adding 1 cup of hot soup liquid while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Step 6 — Thicken the Soup
Stir the tempered cream mixture back into the crock pot. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. The soup will thicken noticeably within 20-30 minutes of this addition.
Step 7 — Adjust Consistency and Seasoning
If your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is too thick, thin with additional broth or milk. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra ranch seasoning if desired. The soup should be creamy and well-balanced.
Step 8 — Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with reserved bacon crumbles, additional shredded cheese, and chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately while the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is hot and creamy.
Step 9 — Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens upon standing.
Nutritional Information
Calories | 420 |
Protein | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fat | 24g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 980mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Lean Turkey Bacon — Provides smoky flavor with less saturated fat than traditional bacon.
- Cauliflower & Potato Blend — Reduces carbs while maintaining creamy texture when blended.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk — Creates a dairy-free, lighter base that still offers creaminess.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth — Controls salt intake without sacrificing savory depth.
- Nutritional Yeast — Adds cheesy flavor for dairy-free or lower-fat versions.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Thickens the soup safely for those avoiding gluten.
- Plain Greek Yogurt — Swaps in for sour cream to boost protein and reduce fat.
- Sweet Potatoes — Adds fiber and vitamins for a nutrient-dense twist on classic potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup with a crisp green salad topped with bacon bits and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or soft pretzel bites to dip into the creamy soup.
- Perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or cozy family dinners.
- Top with extra shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Serve in bread bowls for a fun, edible container that makes the meal extra satisfying.
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is versatile enough for casual lunches or hearty holiday meals, and its rich, comforting flavors pair wonderfully with both light and savory sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using high-starch potatoes like Russets, which can turn mushy. Fix: Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes to maintain texture.
- Mistake: Adding dairy ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream too early. Fix: Stir them in during the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling.
- Mistake: Overfilling the slow cooker, which leads to uneven cooking. Fix: Fill the Crock Pot no more than two-thirds full for best results.
- Mistake: Not layering ingredients properly, causing the bacon to become soggy. Fix: Add crispy, pre-cooked bacon as a garnish just before serving.
- Mistake: Skipping the step of sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic. Fix: Briefly sauté them first to deepen the flavor base of your soup.
- Mistake: Using low-fat cream cheese or dairy substitutes that don’t melt well. Fix: Stick with full-fat products for a creamy, luxurious consistency.
- Mistake: Cooking on high heat for the entire duration, which can scorch the bottom. Fix: Use the low setting for 6-8 hours to develop flavors gently.
- Mistake: Forgetting to season in stages, resulting in a bland Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. Fix: Season both during cooking and at the end to taste.
- Mistake: Over-thickening the soup with too much flour or cornstarch at once. Fix: Create a slurry and add it gradually until the desired thickness is reached.
- Mistake: Lifting the lid frequently to check on the soup, which releases heat. Fix: Trust the process and only remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to add dairy.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze this soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
For best results, add fresh garnishes like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or green onions after reheating your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy potatoes with savory ranch and bacon flavors. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Crack Chicken Lasagna Recipe next. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more easy, delicious meals!
PrintCrock Pot Crack Potato Soup
A creamy, hearty soup loaded with potatoes, chicken broth, cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen diced potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, diced
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 12 slices cooked bacon, chopped (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup half and half
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup of cooked bacon pieces to 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 to incorporate the cream cheese.
- Stir in the half and half and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Put the lid back on and warm until the cheese is melted.
- Serve garnished with chopped green onions, additional shredded cheddar cheese, and remaining bacon pieces if desired.
Notes
Using frozen diced potatoes adds great texture, but frozen shredded hashbrowns can be substituted. The soup thickens as it cooks; add extra chicken broth if a thinner consistency is preferred. Half and half can be replaced with any milk or heavy cream for a richer soup.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
FAQs
Can I make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the soup as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the slow cooker before serving.
What makes this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup so addictive?
The addictive quality of this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup comes from its rich, creamy base combined with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and flavorful ranch seasoning. These ingredients create a savory, comforting, and utterly irresistible combination that keeps you coming back for more.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?
You can freeze this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, but the texture of the potatoes and dairy may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without any garnishes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding fresh toppings.