Hey there, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s talk about a sanity-saving recipe that’s become a total dinnertime win in my house: Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. I know, I know, the name is a bit wild, but trust me, it’s spot-on! It’s so addictive and flavorful, your family will be begging for more. I first made this years ago after a particularly chaotic week and haven’t looked back since. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made incredibly simple thanks to our trusty slow cooker.
My goal is always simple comfort food that brings my family together. I want to share this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup with you because it has truly made my life easier. This is for those days when you need something warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this amazing, easy, and comforting recipe!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup magic happen:
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cubed: These give the soup a creamy texture. If you don’t have Yukon Golds, Russets will work too!
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped: Adds a lovely savory base to the soup.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 6 cups Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- 1 tsp Salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened: This is what makes it incredibly creamy and dreamy.
- 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds a bit of tanginess.
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix: This is the “crack” in the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup!
- 1 lb Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Because bacon is always a good idea!
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that cheesy, melty goodness.
- Optional Toppings: Green onions, extra bacon, more cheese, hot sauce, etc.
You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, which is exactly what busy moms need. Don’t worry if you’re missing the exact amount of cheese; I usually eyeball it. This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated! My family gets extra comfort when I add a little bit of smoked paprika to the soup, giving it a subtle smoky flavor.
Here’s a Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I sometimes use pre-cooked bacon bits to save time. I know it’s not quite the same, but it’s a huge help on busy weeknights.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to get cooking? Here are the super-simple steps to making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup:
- Prep the Potatoes and Onions: Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they will cook.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: In your slow cooker, combine the potatoes, onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup usually takes about 7 hours on low.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash them to your desired consistency. Some families like it chunky, others like it smooth.
- Add the Creamy Goodness: Stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix. Make sure everything is well combined and the cream cheese is fully melted.
- Stir in the Cheese and Bacon: Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the cooked bacon (save some for topping). Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup into bowls and top with the remaining bacon, green onions, extra cheese, or any other toppings you love.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: getting the cream cheese to melt smoothly. Now I make sure it’s softened to room temperature beforehand, and it makes all the difference! Don’t worry if your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup looks a little thin before you add the cream cheese; it will thicken up beautifully. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
While your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! In my experience, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup recipe is surprisingly forgiving, so don’t worry too much about exact timing.
How We Love to Eat This!
My family devours this comforting Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup when I serve it with some crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. The kids also love having a simple side salad with it. This soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a great option for potlucks or casual gatherings.
We often make a big batch of this easy Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup on Sunday and enjoy the leftovers for lunch throughout the week. It reheats beautifully! Sometimes I add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top instead of sour cream for a slightly healthier twist.
The kids devoured this comforting Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup when I served it with grilled cheese. This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! One time I made this when my friends came over for a game night, and everyone raved about how delicious and comforting it was. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for cheesy hamburger potato soup.
This comforting Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup reminds me of another family favorite, Italian Sausage and Potato Soup!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get about making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup:
Is this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The potatoes, bacon, and cheese make it a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, you can add extra toppings like shredded chicken or ham to boost the protein.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?
Start by offering a small portion and let them add their own toppings, like extra cheese or bacon. Sometimes just having a little bit of control can make them more willing to try new things. You can also try pureeing some of the soup to make it smoother and less intimidating.
Can I meal prep this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, just dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning. You can also make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for lunches or dinners during the week.
Can I make this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor.
What other variations can I try with this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?
You can add different cheeses, like Gruyere or Monterey Jack. You can also add vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots. Some people like to add a can of diced tomatoes for a bit of acidity. You can also try adding kielbasa!
Is there a healthier alternative to cream cheese and sour cream?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a lower-fat cream cheese. The taste will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How do I store this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out kielbasa potato soup.
Final Thoughts:
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup has become a staple in our house because it’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. It supports my family’s comfort food goals by providing a warm, hearty meal that everyone enjoys, without requiring hours of work in the kitchen.
Here are my Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Comfort Hacks:
- Use pre-cooked bacon: Saves time and effort on busy weeknights.
- Soften the cream cheese: Ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings: Let everyone customize their own bowl!
Here are a few family-tested variations:
- My son loves it with extra bacon and cheddar cheese.
- My daughter prefers it with green onions and a dollop of sour cream.
- I like to add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
I hope you try this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup and make it your own way. Remember, the best recipes are the ones that bring your family together and make mealtime a little easier and more enjoyable.
Give it a try, and I promise, you won’t be disappointed! It will bring comfort to your table and create a new family favorite. For another way to load up your potatoes, check out Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup. Also, for another similar recipe you might love, take a look at Slow Cooker Potato-Bacon Soup Recipe. I’m cheering you on and celebrating all of your dinnertime wins with this satisfying Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup! Cozy up with this flavorful Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup ! It’s creamy … I know your family is going to love this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon! It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day and so easy to make in your slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6-8 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the cubed potatoes, ranch dressing mix, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender to blend until smooth. (Be careful when blending hot liquids!)
- Return the soup to the slow cooker. Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with additional cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Notes
For an extra creamy soup, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl before serving.