Hearty and comforting, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate slow-cooker meal packed with rich flavors of cheddar cheese, crispy Turkey Bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy days, this creamy soup is easy to make and ideal for feeding a crowd. Let the crock pot do the work for a deliciously satisfying bowl of comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just layer your ingredients in the crock pot and let it cook. No need for constant monitoring.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning gives this soup a bold taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite toppings or add vegetables to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves up to 8, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
- Comforting Dish: A warm bowl of potato soup is ideal for chilly evenings or when you crave something cozy.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Essential for achieving that slow-cooked flavor without constant attention.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy and precise cutting of potatoes and other veggies.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving soup without spilling.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
For Flavoring
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
For Garnishing
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Turkey Bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, Turkey Bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot
In the crock pot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the potatoes. Add shredded cheese and crumbled Turkey Bacon on top.
Step 3: Add Broth
Pour the broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that all components are covered by liquid.
Step 4: Cook It Slow
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Stir in Cream
Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend until desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Serve with Garnishes
Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra cheese, Turkey Bacon bits, or chopped green onions. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup!
How to Serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a deliciously creamy dish that can be served in various ways to enhance the meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your soup even more enjoyable.
Add Extra Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top for an oozing, cheesy delight.
- Turkey Bacon Bits: A sprinkle of crispy Turkey Bacon bits adds a savory crunch and enhances the smoky flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the soup.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of garlic bread pair perfectly with the richness of the soup.
Create a Salad Plate
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy potato soup.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
To ensure your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup turns out just right every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality cheese will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding cream. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or cream.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or chives for added flavor depth.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 7-8 hours allows all flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, high heat for 4 hours works too!
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad can provide a light crunch and balance out the creamy soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combination of grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with potato soup; try different cheeses for variety!
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of your soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers offer additional protein and veggies, making your meal more filling.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrients to your plate while enhancing flavors.
- Potato Wedges: For those who can’t get enough potatoes, baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an excellent side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can help you create the best Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. Here are some key pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:
- Bold potatoes: Using unevenly sized potato pieces can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all your potatoes are diced to similar sizes for consistent tenderness.
- Bold seasoning: Skipping the ranch seasoning or not measuring it correctly can dull the flavor. Follow the recipe measurements closely for that zesty kick.
- Bold broth choice: Using water instead of broth will result in a bland soup. Always use chicken or vegetable broth to enhance the richness.
- Bold temperature settings: Cooking on high when you have time for low can alter the texture. If possible, opt for low heat to allow flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- Bold garnishing: Forgetting to garnish can make the soup less appealing. Consider adding extra cheese, Turkey Bacon bits, or green onions right before serving for an eye-catching finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup is best consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated.
Freezing Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup:
Can I customize my Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust cheese types based on preference.
How do I ensure my soup is creamy?
Stirring in heavy cream at the end is key for creaminess. For an even smoother texture, consider using an immersion blender before serving.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit Turkey Bacon, or use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
Cooking on low typically takes 7-8 hours, while high heat cooking will take around 4 hours until potatoes are tender.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a deliciously hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Its rich flavors make it comforting and satisfying, while its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This creamy and hearty soup combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, and crispy turkey bacon, creating a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. With minimal prep time, simply layer your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a meal prep option for the week ahead, this soup is sure to please everyone at your table.
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces.
- Layer the diced potatoes in the crock pot and sprinkle ranch seasoning over them.
- Add shredded cheese and crumbled turkey bacon on top.
- Pour the broth over all ingredients to ensure coverage.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Blend if desired for a smoother texture.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra cheese, turkey bacon bits, or green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables such as carrots or celery. Adjust consistency by mashing some potatoes before adding cream for thickness, or add more broth for a thinner soup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.