Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings comfort to any meal. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, this slow-cooked soup offers rich flavors of cheddar cheese, crispy Turkey Bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning. Its creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it the perfect choice for busy days when you want a warm and filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and Turkey Bacon creates a comforting and savory taste that everyone will love.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this soup serves up to 8 people.
- Versatile Garnishes: Customize your soup with optional toppings like chives or extra cheese for added flavor and presentation.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Crock Pot: The heart of this recipe; it allows for slow cooking, which enhances the flavors.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients neatly.
- Sharp knife: Essential for quickly dicing potatoes and other ingredients with precision.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Turkey Bacon
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, Turkey Bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces. This allows them to cook uniformly in the crock pot.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot
In the crock pot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the potatoes. Add shredded cheese and crumbled Turkey Bacon on top for added flavor.
Step 3: Add Broth
Pour the broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid covers them completely. This is crucial for cooking the potatoes evenly.
Step 4: Cook Your Soup
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Check occasionally to ensure everything is cooking properly.
Step 5: Stir in Cream
Stir in heavy cream once cooking is complete. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend until desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Serve with Garnishes
Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra cheese, Turkey Bacon bits, or chopped green onions to enhance flavor and presentation. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup!
How to Serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Serving your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup can elevate the dining experience. This creamy, cheesy soup is versatile and pairs well with various garnishes and accompaniments to enhance its flavor.
Garnish Suggestions
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top for an extra cheesy bite.
- Turkey Bacon Bits: Add crispy bits of Turkey Bacon for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
- Chives: For a delicate onion taste, sprinkle chopped chives over the soup just before serving.
Accompanying Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlic flavor of garlic bread complements the rich soup perfectly.
Salad Pairing
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad balances the heaviness of the soup and adds freshness.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette provides a crunchy contrast.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
To ensure your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality cheese will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of it before serving.
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: For maximum tenderness in potatoes, opt for the low setting on your crock pot for 7-8 hours.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like sour cream or jalapeños for added flavor.
- Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that adds gooeyness and crunch alongside the creamy soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for dipping into the rich flavors of the potato soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers add nutrition and a flavorful twist to your meal.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast to warm soup while adding texture.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies contribute a healthy element that complements the richness of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a delightful crunch that echoes the main dish’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using unpeeled potatoes: Leaving the skin on can lead to a gritty texture. Always peel your potatoes for a creamier soup.
- Skipping the layering: Failing to layer ingredients in the crock pot can affect cooking. Start with potatoes at the bottom, then add seasonings and toppings.
- Not checking seasoning: Forgetting to taste before serving can result in bland soup. Always adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Overcooking the soup: Cooking for too long can make potatoes mushy. Stick to recommended cooking times for perfect texture.
- Neglecting garnishes: Skipping garnishes can make the dish less appealing. Add toppings like extra cheese or green onions for flavor and presentation.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for better tracking.
Reheating Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or add more heavy cream.
Can I use other types of bacon?
Yes! You can substitute Turkey Bacon with regular bacon or even ham for different flavors in your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes great reheated.
What can I serve with this soup?
This creamy potato soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, salads, or sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. With its creamy texture and rich flavor profile, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon or fresh herbs. Give this easy recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This creamy, slow-cooked soup combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, crispy Turkey Bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning, creating a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. With minimal preparation required, just toss your ingredients into the crock pot and let it work its magic while you enjoy your day. Ideal for meal prep and leftovers, this crowd-pleaser serves up to 8 people, making it a great option for both casual dinners and festive occasions. Customize with your favorite garnishes for an extra special touch!
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Turkey Bacon
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces.
- Layer diced potatoes in the crock pot; sprinkle ranch seasoning on top.
- Add shredded cheese and crumbled Turkey Bacon over the potatoes.
- Pour broth over the layered ingredients until covered.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra cheese or chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For a thicker soup, blend part of the mixture with an immersion blender before serving. Feel free to substitute Turkey Bacon with regular bacon or ham for different flavors. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.