Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with rich flavors from bacon, cheese, and tender potatoes. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for chilly days and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do all the work for you. The result is a velvety smooth soup with the perfect balance of savory and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients: In a crock pot, combine diced potatoes, diced onion, bacon bits, and minced garlic.
- Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the potato mixture and stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine everything.
- Cook the soup: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash the potatoes: Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup and give it a creamier texture.
- Finish the soup: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted.
- Season the soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours (on high) or 7-8 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: For extra nutrition, add some chopped celery, carrots, or corn to the soup for added flavor and texture.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a little kick.
- Vegan option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap the heavy cream and cheddar cheese for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and vegan cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but note that the texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or cream to adjust the consistency if needed.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen potatoes for this soup? Fresh potatoes are ideal for this recipe, but frozen diced potatoes can be used if necessary. Be sure to thaw them before adding to the crock pot.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
- Can I add more cheese? Absolutely! If you love extra cheesy soup, feel free to add more shredded cheddar cheese to taste.
- Is this soup gluten-free? This recipe contains flour for thickening, so it’s not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- What other toppings can I add to the soup? Sour cream, bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing would make great toppings for this soup.
- Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the soup will be slightly less rich and creamy. For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half.
- How do I make this soup spicier? To add heat, incorporate some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes into the soup.
- What kind of potatoes should I use? Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup as they become soft and mash well, giving the soup its creamy texture.
- Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for about 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Mash some of the potatoes and stir in the cream and cheese as directed.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, simply replace the bacon bits with vegetarian bacon or omit them altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a hearty, creamy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious dinner without a lot of hands-on time. With the rich flavors of bacon, cheese, and creamy potatoes, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a cozy lunch, this soup will quickly become a favorite.