Coming home to the smell of soup is so comforting. I remember making my Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup for the first time. It was a cold Friday evening, and I didn’t want to cook for hours.
I just needed 15 minutes to prep. I added frozen hashbrowns, creamy chicken soup, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning. As it cooked, my house filled with a delicious smell. My family gathered in the kitchen before dinner.
This soup is more than just a meal. It’s filled with cheddar, bacon, and a secret ingredient. It’s why this soup is a favorite in my home. I’m excited to share the recipe with you.
Why I Love This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
I love this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. It’s the best comfort food for me. The mix of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and potatoes is amazing. It’s perfect after a long day.
It’s easy to make because I just throw everything in the slow cooker. When I come home, the smell is incredible. It makes me excited to eat it.
This soup is great for family dinners or meal prep. It makes six servings. Each serving has about 594 calories, which is satisfying but not too much.
The potatoes stay firm, and the cheese makes it creamy. It’s the ultimate potato soup recipe.
I like to make it my own. I can add jalapeños for spice or skip the bacon for veggies. It’s perfect for everyone. It makes any day special.
Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe
Making a tasty homemade potato soup in a crock pot is easy. Think of comfort food, and crack potato soup is what comes to mind. It uses simple yet tasty ingredients for a creamy dish.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 (30 ounce) bag of frozen hash-brown potatoes
- 2 (14 ounce) cans of chicken broth
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of chopped yellow onions
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (8 ounce) package of softened cream cheese
- 6 slices of cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Add-Ins
To make the soup even better, you can add some extra ingredients. Here are some favorites:
- Diced ham for added protein
- Extra vegetables, such as carrots or celery
- Green onions or chives as a fresh garnish
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess
This mix of ingredients makes the soup rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights. Enjoy making this recipe, knowing it will be a hit.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Making delicious crock pot potato soup is easy. Just a few steps and you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl. Let’s look at how to make this easy soup.
Preparation Steps
First, get your ingredients ready for the slow cooker. Here’s what you need to do:
- Chop 12 slices of bacon and cook until crispy.
- Measure out 4 cups of chicken broth.
- Cube 8 ounces of cream cheese and have it ready to add later.
- Get your frozen diced potatoes, about 30 ounces, which will be the base of your soup.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s cook:
- In your slow cooker, combine the frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cooked bacon, and any optional add-ins you desire, like diced onions or chopped carrots.
- Set your slow cooker to LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, ensuring the potatoes are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the half and half, along with the cubed cream cheese and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for that rich, creamy texture.
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Making the perfect crock pot crack potato soup is easy. It’s creamy and comforting. This recipe is simple and delicious. It’s perfect for a family dinner.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high
- Get your ingredients ready: 30 oz frozen hash browns, 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup, 4 cups chicken broth, 12 slices cooked bacon, 8 oz cream cheese, and 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add ½ teaspoon black pepper and one package ranch seasoning mix for flavor.
- Put all ingredients in your crock pot. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. This makes the soup rich and flavorful.
- Stir in more shredded cheese. This makes the soup creamy.
- Top with bacon bits and cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
This guide helps you make the best crock pot crack potato soup. Each step is important for great flavor and texture. You can also add your own touches or use leftovers. This recipe is sure to please everyone.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 594 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 44 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 104 mg |
| Sodium | 1537 mg |
| Potassium | 722 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 897 IU |
| Vitamin C | 23 mg |
| Calcium | 274 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Understanding Variations in the Recipe
There are many ways to make crock pot potato soup better. You can try different potatoes and add special ingredients. Each soup can be unique.
Using Different Potatoes
Playing with potatoes is fun. You can use russet or Yukon Gold. Sweet potatoes make it sweet. Fingerling potatoes make it creamy.
Substituting Ingredients
Changing ingredients can make the soup tasty in new ways. Try cream of celery instead of chicken. Use chicken or turkey bacon for different tastes. It’s fun to be creative.
| Ingredient Type | Common Varieties | Substitution Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | Russet, Yukon Gold | Sweet potatoes, Fingerling potatoes |
| Soup Base | Cream of Chicken | Cream of Celery, Cream of Mushroom |
| Bacon Alternatives | Traditional Bacon | Turkey Bacon, Sausage, Vegetarian Bacon Bits |
| Cheese | Cheddar | Monterey Jack, Colby, Gouda, Swiss |
Tips for Making Delicious Crock Pot Potato Soup
Making the best crock pot potato soup needs a few tricks. Knowing how to make potato soup better can really help. The right cheese and seasoning make a big difference.
Choosing the Right Cheese
Choosing the right cheese is key for a tasty potato soup. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts better than packaged cheese. It adds a strong flavor that goes well with the creamy soup.
You can also try other cheeses like Gruyère or pepper jack. They add special tastes to your soup.
The Importance of Seasoning
Seasoning is very important for a great-tasting soup. Use kosher salt, fresh pepper, and a bit of ranch mix for a fun twist. These tips will make your soup full of flavor. Everyone will want more.
How to Enhance the Creamy Texture of Your Soup
Making a crock pot creamy potato soup smooth and comforting is key. Certain ingredients can make a big difference. I’ll share my top tips to get that perfect texture.
Adding Cream Cheese
Adding cream cheese is a great way to make the soup creamy. Use about 8 ounces of softened cream cheese an hour before it’s done. This lets it melt and mix well, making the soup creamy.
Cream cheese also makes the soup richer. It blends well with other flavors, making each spoonful a joy.
Incorporating Half and Half
Stir in half and half just before serving for a smooth finish. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup for the best effect. Half and half adds richness and blends well with the soup’s flavors.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Effect on Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces | Adds richness and creaminess |
| Half and Half | 1/4 to 1/2 cup | Enhances smoothness |
These ingredients will make your soup amazing. Try them next time for the best creamy potato soup!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
When serving potato soup, the right sides make it special. This slow cooker loaded potato soup goes great with some favorites. I enjoy it with homemade cornbread or buttery biscuits. It’s a cozy meal that everyone loves.
Perfect Pairings
- Cornbread or biscuits for a cozy carb pairing
- Fresh garden salad to add a refreshing crunch
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for an indulgent side
- Steamed broccoli to introduce a healthy element
Garnishes to Elevate the Dish
Garnishes can make your soup look and taste better. I often add:
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy delight
- Crumbled bacon for a savory crunch
- Diced green onions or chives for a fresh kick
- Sour cream to add rich creaminess
These ideas can make your potato soup a hit. A little effort in presentation makes it more appealing. It’s sure to please your guests.
Storage Tips for Leftover Homemade Potato Soup in a Crock Pot
After enjoying my crock pot crack potato soup, I always have leftovers. To keep the soup fresh, I store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, I can enjoy it for up to five days.
Storing leftover soup can make it thicker. If that happens, I add a bit of broth to thin it out. This makes it creamy again, just like the first time.
Freezing the soup is another option, but I don’t freeze it for more than six months. I use zip-top freezer bags to save space. Proper storage keeps the soup tasting great.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (Airtight Container) | Up to 5 days |
| Freezer (Zip-Top Bags) | Up to 6 months |
By following these tips, I can enjoy my leftover potato soup for days. It’s great to have a tasty meal ready, even after a few days.
The Best Occasions for Serving Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a warm and comforting dish. It’s great for many occasions. It serves up to 8 people, perfect for family and friends gatherings.
This soup has potatoes, bacon, and cheese. It’s a satisfying meal for any social event.
Family Gatherings
Family gatherings are a great time for this soup. Its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients are loved by all. It makes the gathering more enjoyable.
It’s easy to make ahead of time. This makes hosting stress-free. Holidays, reunions, or family dinners are perfect for serving this soup.
Game Day Treats
Game day parties are also a great time for this soup. Its rich flavors and creamy texture are loved by all. It’s a hit while watching the game.
I like to add extra cheese or green onions for guests to customize. It’s easy to prepare, making it a great addition to game day.
| Occasion | Description | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Family Gatherings | Ideal for holidays, reunions, or casual dinners. | Up to 8 people |
| Game Day Parties | Perfect for serving alongside snacks while watching the game. | Up to 8 people |
Nutritional Information for Your Soup Recipe
When I make my Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, I check the nutritional info. Each serving has about 350 calories. This comes from potatoes, cheese, and bacon.
Potatoes are not just tasty; they’re also full of energy and fiber. They’re key to making this soup healthy.
Let’s take a closer look at the important nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
If you want to make the soup lighter, try using low-fat cheese and skim milk. This can cut calories by 20-30%. Adding more veggies like carrots or celery boosts flavor and fiber. It makes the soup even healthier.
Also, you can keep the soup in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3 months. This makes meal planning easier. Knowing the nutritional info helps me enjoy my soup while staying healthy.
Indulging in Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup
Warm bowls of cheesy crock pot potato soup are magical. They warm our bodies and comfort our souls. This makes them perfect for cold nights. The mix of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and bacon is unbeatable.
Making it is easy. Just 15 minutes to get ready. Then, the slow cooker works its magic for 7 hours. It makes 4 to 6 servings, great for family or friends.
6 medium russet potatoes make it creamy. 1 medium onion and 4 cloves of garlic add a great smell. I use 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth to keep it not too salty.
1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 8 oz cream cheese make it special. 1/2 cup of crispy bacon adds flavor. Salt, black pepper, and paprika season it well. Optional smoked paprika or cayenne pepper add spice.
This soup is perfect for any day. It’s a comfort food or a holiday favorite. It’s full of vitamins C and B6 from potatoes and protein from cheese and bacon.
| Ingredient | Amount | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Russet Potatoes | 6 medium | Rich in vitamin C and B6 |
| Onion | 1 medium | Aromatic flavor enhancer |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Boosts immunity |
| Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 32 oz | Lower sodium content |
| Cream Cheese | 8 oz | Rich, creamy texture |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | Strong flavor, protein source |
| Bacon | 1/2 cup | Savory flavor, protein |
| Seasoning | Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika | Adds flavor without extra calories |
This cheesy crock pot potato soup is easy and indulgent. It’s a favorite for many, loved for generations.
Why This is the Ultimate Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This potato soup recipe is the best for a reason. It’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Just 10 minutes of prep time is all you need.
Throw in potatoes, creamy ingredients, and spices. It’s perfect for cozy nights or family meals.
The flavors mix well during slow cooking. Your potatoes will be tender and creamy. Heavy cream and cream cheese make it rich.
For a thick soup, use heavy cream and cornstarch. Let it cook for 30 more minutes. This makes the soup luxurious and warm.
This recipe is special because of its toppings. You can add cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s a dish that everyone loves.
It’s not just a meal. It’s an experience. Enjoy it on any special occasion!