Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious comfort food that’s incredibly easy to make. Loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy broth, this soup is perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or whenever you need a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: Just dump the ingredients into the crock pot and let it do the work.
- Creamy and flavorful: A rich blend of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning makes it irresistible.
- Perfect for meal prep: Makes a big batch that stores well for leftovers.
- Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for any occasion: Serve it as a main dish or a side for gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese, softened
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Heavy cream or milk (for extra creaminess)
- Green onions (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Add the frozen hash brown potatoes, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted and incorporated.
- Add the cooked and crumbled bacon, stirring well.
- Pour in the heavy cream or milk, stirring to reach the desired creaminess.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and extra bacon if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Loaded Version: Add cooked sausage, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Healthier Option: Use reduced-fat cheese, turkey bacon, and light cream cheese.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon.
- Thicker Soup: Mash some of the potatoes before serving for a creamier consistency.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra milk or broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Peel and dice about 4-5 medium potatoes for a fresh version.
What’s the best cheese for this soup?
Sharp cheddar is best, but you can mix in gouda, Monterey Jack, or Colby for variety.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer everything (except cheese and cream) for about 30-40 minutes, then add cheese and cream before serving.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, ensure that your ranch seasoning mix and broth are gluten-free.
How do I make it even creamier?
Use half-and-half or extra cream cheese for a richer texture.
Can I cook this soup overnight?
Yes, but use the low setting to avoid overcooking the potatoes.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Extra bacon, green onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream are great choices.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of fresh bacon?
Yes, but freshly cooked bacon will give a better texture and flavor.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding diced carrots, celery, or corn for extra flavor.
How can I thin out the soup if it gets too thick?
Simply add more chicken broth or milk and stir well.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is an easy, creamy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a gathering, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy every comforting bite!
PrintCrock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is an ultra-creamy, cheesy, and flavorful soup made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning. It’s the perfect easy slow cooker meal for busy weeknights, game days, or cold-weather comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (or 4 cups peeled & diced potatoes)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Assemble in the Crock Pot:
- Add potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Add Creaminess:
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon (reserve some for topping), and sour cream.
- Stir well until melted and combined.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions or parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Swap hash browns for cubed potatoes for a chunkier texture.
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Make it extra creamy by blending half the soup with an immersion blender before adding cheese.
- Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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