This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is warm, creamy, and filled with delicious flavors! Loaded with potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax. Perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for their creaminess when cooked. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower works well in place of potatoes for a similar texture.
Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth adds depth, but store-bought works just fine! For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead.
Cream Cheese: This creates a rich base. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese or coconut cream for a similar consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. If you want a milder taste, feel free to use mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses. Great substitutes include Gouda or Monterey Jack.
Bacon: For an alternative, turkey bacon or veggie bacon can work, but I find that regular bacon gives the best flavor. You can omit it entirely if you want a vegetarian dish.
How Do You Make the Soup Extra Creamy?
The secret to a creamy soup lies in how you combine your ingredients and what you add at the end. When you add the cream cheese and cheddar cheese about 30 minutes before serving, ensure they are warmed up first. This helps them melt smoothly into the soup.
- Cube the cream cheese and stir it into the hot soup until melted.
- Add the shredded cheddar gradually while stirring, keeping the heat low to avoid clumping.
- For an even creamier texture, consider using an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding in the remaining ingredients.
By taking this simple step, your soup will feel extra luxurious and comforting!
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll let your crock pot work its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a great way to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Ingredients:
In your crock pot, toss in the peeled and diced potatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely.
2. Let It Cook:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook. If you’re going low and slow, cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you need it quicker, set it to high for 3-4 hours. You want the potatoes to be tender when you check on them.
3. Add the Creamy Goodness:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, it’s time to make it creamy! Add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese right into the pot. Stir well until the cheeses melt and blend into a deliciously creamy soup.
4. Mix in the Extras:
Next, stir in the sour cream, crumbled bacon, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Give it a good mix and let it heat through for another 10-15 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Finish and Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for that finishing touch. This soup is wonderful served hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, loaded with cheesy, bacon-y goodness, perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Soup?
While fresh potatoes yield the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes if needed. Just add them straight to the crockpot without thawing, but be aware that this might slightly alter the cooking time—keep an eye on them to ensure they’re tender by the end of cooking!
Can I Make This Potato Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add some sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables for extra flavor!
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious!
