This creamy Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is comfort in a bowl! Packed with tender potatoes, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon, it’s the perfect dish for chilly nights.
Making this soup is super easy—just toss everything in the crock pot and let it simmer all day! I love topping mine with extra cheese and green onions—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I prefer using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes because they get creamy when cooked. If you want a lower-carb option, cauliflower can be a great alternative; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Chicken Broth: If you’re vegetarian or want to cut down on sodium, use low-sodium vegetable broth instead. Homemade stock can also add an extra touch of flavor!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, you can swap out regular cream cheese for low-fat or even Greek yogurt. It won’t be as creamy, but it will still be delicious!
Bacon: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, crispy turkey bacon or mushrooms can give you that savory flavor. Just make sure to season well!
How Can I Ensure the Perfect Creaminess?
The trick to getting the right creamy texture in this soup is twofold: mashing and blending. After cooking, mash about half of the potatoes to create a thick consistency while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Use a potato masher for a rustic feel.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of it.
- Don’t forget to keep stirring while adding the cream cheese and cheese, as this helps them melt evenly.
Take your time with these steps, and you’ll end up with a soup that’s creamy and delicious!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 6-7 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus extra for garnish
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then you can just let your crock pot do the work! It will take around 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for the potatoes to become tender. Don’t forget about the additional 15-30 minutes after adding the creamy ingredients to let everything meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into small cubes. In your crock pot, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
2. Cook Until Tender:
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal here is to let the potatoes become tender, which will provide the wonderful texture for your soup!
3. Mash and Mix:
Once the potatoes are nice and soft, grab a potato masher or an immersion blender. Slightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot, keeping some chunks intact for a delightful texture. This will make your soup creamier.
4. Add Creaminess:
Next, it’s time to add the magic ingredients for creaminess! Stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and the crumbled bacon. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Final Cooking Phase:
Let the soup continue to cook on low for an additional 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and lets the soup thicken up a bit.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once it’s ready, dish out the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh chives for color and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Now, dig in and enjoy this rich and comforting Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup—perfect for cozy nights or anytime you crave a warm bowl of deliciousness!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are great choices because they become creamy when cooked. If you’re looking for a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower can also work well—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore consistency.
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. You could also serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort meal!