Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is an irresistible, creamy, and comforting dish that has become a crowd favorite. The name “crack” comes from its addictive nature, as it’s packed with flavor, richness, and the perfect combination of ingredients. This hearty soup, made with potatoes, cheese, bacon, and cream, is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a warm, satisfying meal. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, so you can prepare it in the morning, set it and forget it, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve soup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, serving it at a party, or simply craving a cozy meal, this soup will be a hit every time. Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is incredibly easy to make and yields a creamy, flavorful soup that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect dish for anyone who loves indulgent comfort food, and it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients:
To make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, most of which are staples in many kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus extra for topping)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of chicken broth
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup of milk (more if needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by preparing the potatoes. Peel and dice them into small cubes. Try to make the pieces as even as possible, so they cook evenly in the slow cooker. This will ensure that the potatoes break down into a creamy texture once cooked.
Step 2: In a large slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and crumbled bacon. Give everything a good stir to combine. The soup mixture will look a bit thick, but that’s okay—once the potatoes cook down, the texture will improve.
Step 3: Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the mixture. This will give the soup its rich, creamy texture that makes it so irresistible.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the ingredients are cooking evenly. After the cooking time is up, the potatoes should be tender and the flavors will have melded together. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Once the soup is cooked, use a potato masher or a large spoon to mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This will give the soup a creamy, hearty texture. You can mash it to your preferred consistency, whether you like it chunky or smooth.
Step 6: Add the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until it melts and blends in beautifully with the other ingredients. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to your liking.
Variation:
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is highly customizable. You can experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. If you’re a fan of a smoky flavor, try adding smoked bacon or smoked sausage instead of regular bacon. For a lighter version, swap out the cream cheese and sour cream for low-fat alternatives. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it a vegetarian dish. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can reserve some of the cooked potatoes and bacon to add back to the soup after mashing. This will add texture and make the soup more hearty.
Cooking Note:
This soup is incredibly versatile and easy to make in the slow cooker. It’s also a great make-ahead meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply add a little more milk or chicken broth and heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. The texture may change slightly when frozen, but the flavor will still be just as delicious.
Serving Suggestions:
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is delicious on its own, but you can take it up a notch by pairing it with some tasty sides. Serve it with a slice of garlic bread or a crunchy, fresh salad to balance the richness of the soup. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. If you want to make it a more filling meal, top the soup with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. These toppings add texture, flavor, and a burst of color to the soup, making it even more appetizing.
Tips:
To make the soup even creamier, use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russet potatoes. They have a naturally buttery texture that makes the soup richer. If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits. Just be sure to cook them enough to render the fat before adding them to the soup. If you like a thinner soup, add extra broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. For a garnish, try adding a handful of crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or fresh chives.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total Time:
6–7 hours
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
Calories: 450
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 960mg
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes for this soup?
A: Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes for this recipe. However, make sure to thaw them slightly before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I make this soup without cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can omit the cream cheese, but it will affect the creamy texture. You can replace it with extra sour cream or use a cream-based soup as a substitute.
Q: Can I make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup in advance?
A: Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just be sure to add a little extra milk when reheating.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can make it dairy-free by using non-dairy substitutes for the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese, such as vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk.
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a rich, creamy, and comforting meal. With minimal preparation and a slow cooker to do the work, this hearty soup is a great option for busy families, casual gatherings, or anyone craving a warm, indulgent dish. The combination of tender potatoes, savory bacon, melted cheese, and creamy broth makes each spoonful incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day, serving it to guests, or preparing it ahead of time, this soup is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to top it with extra bacon, cheese, and green onions for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Once you try this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for all your comfort food cravings.