This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for cozy days. With its rich flavor and hearty ingredients like bacon and cheese, this soup is sure to be a family favorite!

Ingredients

6 cups diced potatoes, peeled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.

2. Layer the Ingredients:

In the crock pot, place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top.

3. Add the Broth:

Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid just covers them.

4. Cook the Soup:

Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.

5. Add Cream and Season:

Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

6. Serve:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired.

Serving:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal
Servings: 8 people

Variations:

Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly soup.
Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots or celery for added texture and flavor.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this soup thicker?
A: Yes! If you want a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.

Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheddar for other cheeses like gouda, Monterey jack, or a mix of your favorites.

Conclusion:

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is an easy, comforting meal that you can prepare ahead of time. Its rich and creamy texture paired with savory bacon and cheese makes it a go-to dish for cool days. Enjoy it as a family meal or serve it at gatherings for a crowd-pleasing option!