Name: Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon, diced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped chives

Jump to Recipe

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a hearty, creamy, and irresistible dish that brings together all the comforting flavors of a classic potato soup with the rich, savory goodness of crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a hint of fresh herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is incredibly easy to make, thanks to the slow-cooking magic of the Crock Pot. The blend of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy base is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.

Whether you’re serving it as a satisfying meal on its own or as a side dish to a larger spread, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is sure to please everyone. The long simmering process allows the flavors to meld perfectly, resulting in a thick, velvety soup that’s as indulgent as it is comforting. With minimal prep work and maximum flavor, this recipe is ideal for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, delicious meal.

So grab your Crock Pot, gather your ingredients, and let this deliciously rich potato soup work its magic. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup will quickly become one of your go-to recipes:

Hearty and Satisfying: With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese, this soup is a filling and complete meal.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once the ingredients are added to the Crock Pot, the slow cooker does all the work, making this soup super easy to prepare.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of savory bacon, fresh thyme, oregano, and rich cream creates an irresistibly flavorful soup.
Versatile: Serve this soup on its own or pair it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or a main course.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

Bacon
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Potatoes
Dried thyme
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Heavy cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chives

Variations

This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily modify it to suit your preferences:

Add More Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can add carrots, celery, or even corn to the soup.
Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup.
Add Protein: You can include shredded rotisserie chicken, sausage, or even ham for a more protein-packed soup.
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of the soup.
Swap the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, try using a different cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gouda for a unique flavor twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3: Prepare the Crock Pot

Transfer the cooked bacon, sautéed onion, and garlic to the Crock Pot. Add the chicken broth, peeled and diced potatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Cover the Crock Pot and cook the soup on the low setting for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the Crock Pot.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped chives for a fresh and flavorful garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Potato Variety: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work best in this recipe as they become tender and creamy when cooked.
Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the Crock Pot before blending to achieve a heartier texture.
Bacon Crispiness: For extra crispy bacon, you can cook it in the oven or in a separate pan to ensure it stays crispy when added to the soup.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add cream cheese for an even richer base.
Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

How to Serve

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a comforting side:

As a Main Dish: Serve the soup with a side of garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
With a Salad: Pair the soup with a light salad, such as a Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, to balance out the richness.
With a Sandwich: This soup goes wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a turkey club for a complete meal.
For a Party: Serve the soup in a large pot with bread cubes, crackers, or even a topping bar with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions for guests to customize their servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before storing.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding extra broth or cream if necessary.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup without bacon?

Yes, you can make the soup without bacon for a vegetarian version. You may want to add additional seasonings or smoked paprika to make up for the flavor that bacon provides.

2. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Fresh potatoes are preferred for the best texture, but you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to add them to the Crock Pot without thawing them first.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. For a similar texture, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a bit of butter.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

For some heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the soup.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure your Crock Pot is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you increase the recipe.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn to the soup for added flavor and texture.

7. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Simmer the ingredients in a large pot for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, then follow the remaining steps.

8. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth.

9. Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

10. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheddar or try different varieties like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes, all simmered to perfection, makes this soup a crowd-pleaser. With easy prep and a slow-cooker convenience, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you’re serving it on its own or as a side, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.