Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food!

How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. This is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe, so you can relax while the slow cooker does all the work.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

– Peel and dice the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes (optional) and cutting them into 1-inch cubes. The potatoes will cook down and thicken the soup, so there’s no need to be overly precise with the cutting. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they’ll cook.
– Cook the bacon: If you’re using uncooked bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan, crumble it, and set it aside for later.
– Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions in a little bit of the bacon drippings (or olive oil) until they are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This will bring out the full flavor of the onions and garlic.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Now, it’s time to add everything to the slow cooker.

– Layer the ingredients: Place the diced potatoes, sautéed onions, and garlic into the bottom of the crock pot. Add the ranch seasoning mix, crumbled bacon, cream cheese (cut into cubes for easier melting), and chicken broth. Stir everything together gently to combine.
– Add milk: Pour in the milk and stir again to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

– Set the slow cooker: Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and fully cooked by the end of the cooking time.
– Stir occasionally: If you’re around, stir the soup occasionally to ensure the ingredients are blending well together. You’ll notice the potatoes beginning to break down and thicken the soup.

Step 4: Blend the Soup (Optional)

– Blend for a smoother texture: If you prefer a smoother, creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup right in the crock pot. You can blend the soup completely or leave some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer some of the soup to a regular blender, blend it until smooth, and then return it to the crock pot.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Once the soup has cooked, it’s time to make it cheesy!

– Add shredded cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it has melted completely into the soup. The cheese will add an extra layer of richness and flavor to the soup, making it even more comforting.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a more pronounced flavor, you can add more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include:

– Chopped green onions
– Extra crumbled bacon
– Sour cream
– Shredded cheese
– Fresh parsley

Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

– Use starchy potatoes: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds. These varieties will break down better and create a creamier soup.
– Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of milk or add a little extra cream cheese. If you like it thinner, add more broth or milk.
– Add extra toppings: Toppings can take this soup to the next level. Consider adding shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or even some freshly chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
– Make it spicy: For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious, creamy, and savory flavor that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a comforting meal to serve to friends and family, or something hearty to enjoy on a cold day, this potato soup checks all the boxes. It’s rich, satisfying, and oh-so-addictive, just like the name suggests.

With simple ingredients, minimal prep work, and the magic of a slow cooker, this soup is a game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese, creating a dish that you’ll want to make over and over again. Give it a try and see why Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is bound to become your new go-to comfort food recipe.