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Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Crock pot or slow cooker – to cook the soup low and slow.
- Large skillet – for cooking the bacon.
- Measuring cups – for accuracy in adding liquids and cheese.
- Knife and cutting board – for prepping the potatoes and other ingredients.
- Ladle – for serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even pieces. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels, then crumble it into small pieces. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits if you want to skip this step.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Crock Pot
Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, ranch seasoning mix, and crumbled bacon into the crock pot. Pour in the chicken broth and can of cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Set your crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the soup is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Creaminess
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk (or heavy cream) to the soup. Stir until the cheese and cream cheese are fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to add more cheese or bacon for extra flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions or chives. Serve hot!
Tips and Variations
- Shortcut option: Use frozen diced hash brown potatoes to save time on peeling and chopping. They work just as well and make prep a breeze.
- Make it healthier: Use turkey bacon and low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to lighten up the soup without losing flavor.
- Extra veggies: Stir in some chopped spinach, corn, or shredded carrots for added nutrition.
- Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup.
How to Store Leftovers
Storing Leftovers:
Transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing the Soup:
This soup also freezes well! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Pairing Suggestions
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread: Serve alongside a slice of warm, buttered bread or a dinner roll to soak up the creamy soup.
- Side salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a fresh side salad. A crisp Caesar or green salad makes for a great combination.
- Beer: A cold, crisp beer like a lager or pilsner complements the hearty flavors of the soup perfectly.
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