Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

Nothing chases away a chilly day quite like a steaming bowl of crock pot crack potato soup. This creamy cheesy potato soup is rich and soul-soothing loaded with savory bacon and kissed with the familiar tang of ranch. It has become my go-to comfort food when I need something warming that everyone in the house will actually cheer for at dinnertime.

I made this soup for a snowed-in girls night and it vanished before I even sat down. Creamy potatoes and bacon are a guaranteed hit

Ingredients

• Diced potatoes: for creamy body and satisfying heft look for Russet or Yukon Gold and peel them for the smoothest soup
• Shredded cheddar cheese: provides rich creaminess and classic potato soup flavor use sharp cheddar for the best tang
• Cooked crumbled bacon: gives salty smoky depth choose thick cut for extra texture
• Ranch seasoning: brings easy herby pop pick your favorite brand or make your own for control over flavor
• Chicken or vegetable broth: as the flavor base opt for low sodium broth so you can season the soup to taste
• Heavy cream or half and half: for lush texture and richness always reach for fresh cream to avoid any separation
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning taste as you go to avoid over salting especially if your bacon or cheese is salty
• Optional garnishes: for topping and extra flavor fresh green onions bacon bits and shredded cheese make each bowl special

Instructions

Prep the Potatoes:

Peel the potatoes and dice them into even pieces about half an inch thick for consistent cooking and a perfectly creamy texture in the finished soup

Layer the Ingredients:

Add the potato cubes to your crock pot as the first layer. Evenly sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the potatoes then add shredded cheese and the cooked crumbled bacon on top

Add Broth and Cook:

Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth making sure the liquid covers the potatoes and layers. This will help cook everything evenly. Set your crock pot to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork

Blend and Finish:

Once the potatoes are tender stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. This gives the soup its signature silkiness. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. For an especially creamy soup gently blend part or all of the soup in the crock pot using an immersion blender

Serve and Top:

Ladle the soup into bowls and let everyone add their favorite garnishes like extra cheese bacon bits green onions or chives for fresh flavor and a beautiful finish

When my brother came home from college he always asked if I could make this exact soup with extra bacon on top It is one of those simple dishes that gets requested again and again in my family

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers for the fridge This soup will keep for up to four days Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and stir well as the soup can thicken overnight If you notice it is overly thick add a little more broth or cream to loosen it

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk if you want a dairy free version and use your favorite plant based cheese for a vegan adaptation For even more flavor try pepper jack cheese or stir in a spoonful of sour cream for tang If bacon is out substitute smoked paprika for that hint of smoky depth

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough for a main but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread Try making loaded potato soup bowls with a buffet of toppings like extra cheese diced ham or roasted broccoli It is great for family style dinners or casual gatherings

Cultural Roots

Potato soups are a beloved comfort food around the world but this American version got its name from being completely crave worthy Some call it crack soup since it is nearly impossible to stop after one bowl The use of ranch bacon and cheddar is pure Midwestern cozy magic at its best

Seasonal Adaptations

Substitute sweet potatoes for a fall twist Add finely chopped kale during the last hour for a pop of green Use fresh chives from the garden in spring as a garnish

Success Stories

Once I brought this crock pot potato soup to a school potluck and it was gone before anyone touched the other dishes People kept coming back for seconds and several parents asked for the recipe My family loves when there are leftovers since the flavors get even better after a night in the fridge

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze this soup in individual containers but hold off on adding the cream until you reheat it Potato soup sometimes separates after freezing so I like to blend it well before freezing then whisk in fresh cream while reheating for best texture

Let this soup warm you from the inside out. It is a simple family favorite that always brings comfort at dinnertime.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a meatless option that's still flavorful and hearty.

→ What type of potatoes works best?

Russet or Yukon Gold varieties yield a creamy texture and hold up well during slow cooking.

→ How can I thicken the soup?

Reduce the amount of broth or blend some potatoes directly in the pot to achieve your desired consistency.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble ingredients in the crock pot insert the night before and refrigerate until ready to cook the next day.

→ What garnishes enhance the finished dish?

Try extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives for added flavor and color.