This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate cozy dish! It’s creamy and loaded with crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions. Perfect for chilly days!
When I make this, I can’t resist topping it with extra cheese and bacon. Who can blame me? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 😄
Plus, it’s so easy! Just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it do the work. I love coming home to the smell of dinner ready and waiting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using russet potatoes for their creamy texture. If you want a low-carb option, cauliflower works well. Just blend it to your desired consistency.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter version or if you’re lactose intolerant.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. However, you can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack will add a nice twist!
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for that savory flavor. You can also use turkey bacon for a leaner choice.
Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian soup. Homemade broth can elevate the flavor even more!
How Do I Get the Perfect Thickness for My Soup?
The thickness of your soup can easily be adjusted! Here’s how:
- After cooking, mash with a potato masher to get a bit of chunkiness while keeping some potatoes whole.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender, but blend only half for some texture.
- Add milk or cream gradually until you achieve the desired consistency—too thick? Just stir in a little extra!
Remember, you can always add more liquid, but it’s hard to take it out if it’s too thin, so go easy at first!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Texture:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
For the Flavor:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks in the Crock Pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. With minimal effort, you’ll have a warming soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crock Pot:
Start by spraying the inside of your Crock Pot with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the soup from sticking to the sides and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Adding the Base Ingredients:
Next, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Mix everything together lightly so that the potatoes are nicely coated in broth, ensuring they cook evenly.
3. Cooking the Soup:
Cover your Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can switch to high and let it cook for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Mashing the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are tender, take a potato masher and lightly mash some of the potatoes right inside the Crock Pot to create a thicker consistency. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender for a few seconds, blending just part of the soup to maintain some chunky texture.
5. Mixing in the Creamy Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the magic! Stir in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, butter, sour cream, and milk (or heavy cream). Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the cheeses are melted. If the soup looks too thick, gradually add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Seasoning it Up:
Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to suit your preferences.
7. Adding the Bacon:
Gently fold in the crumbled cooked bacon, keeping some aside for garnishing when serving. This adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor to the soup!
8. Serving the Soup:
Serve your delicious Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup hot! Top each bowl with added cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and freshly chopped green onions. Enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite bread or crackers!
Dig in and savor every creamy, cheesy bite of this delightful soup!
Can I Use Smaller Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use smaller potatoes, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, just adjust the quantity. About 8-10 small potatoes should work well. There’s no need to peel them if you prefer a rustic feel!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for that savory flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove, adding a bit of milk if needed.
