There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of crock pot crack potato soup on a chilly day, and let me tell you, it’s the ultimate comfort food! I remember one particularly cold winter evening, snuggled up in my favorite blanket, when I first made this soup. The aroma wafting through my kitchen was pure magic! I couldn’t wait to dig in. The creamy texture, rich flavor, and little bursts of bacon sprinkled throughout instantly warmed me up from the inside out. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or impress your friends at a gathering, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Making crock pot crack potato soup is as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up this ultimate comfort food! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process that’ll have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab your trusty crock pot and toss in the diced potatoes and chopped onion. This is the hearty base that makes this soup so satisfying!
- Next, pour in the chicken broth. This will not only help cook the potatoes but also infuse a ton of flavor. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Now, it’s time to set your crock pot! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and easy to mash.
- Once the cooking time is up, grab a potato masher and gently mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This step is key—it creates that creamy texture we all crave!
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until everything is melted and creamy. Oh, this is when the magic happens!
- Finally, before serving, sprinkle those crumbled bacon bits on top for that extra crunch and flavor. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this part!
And there you have it! A simple yet incredibly delicious crock pot crack potato soup that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your belly. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying!
- Super easy to make; just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work!
- Perfect for busy weeknights—set it and forget it while you go about your day.
- The flavor is out of this world, with layers of deliciousness from the potatoes, cheese, and bacon.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- You can easily customize it to your liking with different toppings or ingredients.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
- It’s gluten-free with simple swaps, ensuring everyone can enjoy it!
- It warms you up from the inside out, making it the perfect dish for chilly days.
Tips for Success with Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
To make sure your crock pot crack potato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I’ve learned along the way!
- Choose the right potatoes: I prefer using Russet potatoes for their creaminess. They break down beautifully during cooking and give that dreamy texture!
- Don’t skip the mashing: Mashing some of the potatoes is key to achieving that thick and creamy consistency. If you skip this step, your soup might end up too thin!
- Watch the seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving! You might need to adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. Remember, bacon adds saltiness too, so taste as you go!
- Don’t overcook: If you leave it on high too long, the potatoes can turn mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best results!
- Add cheese at the end: To keep that beautiful melty texture, stir in the cheese right before serving. This way, it stays creamy and doesn’t get stringy!
- Experiment with toppings: This soup is a blank canvas! Try adding chopped green onions, sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Storage tips: If you have leftovers (which I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making this cozy soup that everyone will love. Trust me, it’s going to be a staple in your home!
Variations of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
One of the best things about crock pot crack potato soup is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up while still keeping that comforting vibe!
- Loaded Baked Potato Style: Top your soup with all the classic baked potato fixings—think sour cream, chives, and extra cheese! It’s like having a loaded baked potato in soup form!
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mix for a little extra zing. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving!
- Vegetable Medley: Want to sneak in some more veggies? Toss in some frozen corn, peas, or even diced carrots alongside the potatoes. They’ll cook down beautifully and add a lovely color and flavor!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can really elevate the dish! Try stirring in some chopped parsley, thyme, or even rosemary just before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Different Cheeses: Switch up the cheese for a fun twist! Pepper jack will add a nice kick, or you could go for a sharp white cheddar for a more intense flavor.
- Vegan Version: For a plant-based option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. You can add some smoked paprika for that smoky flavor, and maybe some vegan cheese for creaminess!
These variations keep your crock pot crack potato soup exciting and let you play around with flavors. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own—after all, comfort food is all about what makes *you* feel good!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to comfort food, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one bowl of crock pot crack potato soup:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
These values can change slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you make any substitutions or enhancements. But honestly, with all that creamy goodness packed into each bowl, it’s a comforting choice you’ll feel good about enjoying! Plus, it’s perfect for a cozy night in!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen potatoes for this soup?
Yes, you can! Just toss them straight into the crock pot without thawing. They’ll cook down beautifully, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they might take a bit longer to become tender.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you love a kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper along with the garlic powder. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like to customize their heat level!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the crock pot in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day. It’s perfect for busy schedules!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind that the soup will be slightly less creamy, but still delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing and reheating your crock pot crack potato soup is super easy, and I’m here to guide you through it! First things first, if you happen to have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence with this deliciousness), you’ll want to let the soup cool down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and tasty!
Store your soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure the container is sealed tight to keep out any unwanted odors from the fridge. If you think you won’t finish it within that time frame, you can also freeze it! Just portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, pour the soup into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through—this usually takes about 5-10 minutes. If you’re going the microwave route, start with about 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just be careful not to let it boil, as that could change the texture!
And if the soup seems a bit thick after reheating, just stir in a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to that creamy goodness we all love. With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your comforting bowl of crock pot crack potato soup whenever the craving hits!
Print
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: 7 Reasons It Warms Your Soul
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crock pot crack potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. It is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place diced potatoes and chopped onion in the crock pot.
- Add chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted.
- Top with crumbled bacon before serving.
Notes
- This soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free chicken broth.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crock pot crack potato soup, comfort food, creamy soup, potato soup