Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory bacon flavor. It cooks low and slow for the ultimate comfort meal, yet it takes just 15 minutes to prep. If you love cozy slow cooker dinners, this one always hits the spot.
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Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup brings big comfort with very little effort. Because the slow cooker does the work, you simply stir, cover, and let it cook. Meanwhile, your kitchen fills with the smell of bacon, ranch, and creamy potatoes.
Ultra Creamy and Cheesy Texture
This soup turns out rich and velvety every time. The cream cheese melts into the broth, and then the sharp cheddar adds bold flavor. As a result, each spoonful tastes thick, smooth, and deeply satisfying.
Minimal Prep with Frozen Potatoes
Since you use frozen diced potatoes, prep stays simple and fast. You skip peeling and chopping, which saves time. In fact, frozen potatoes also help prevent a gummy texture, so the soup stays perfectly creamy.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Because Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup makes about six servings, it works great for meal prep. You can store leftovers for several days, and then reheat for easy lunches. The flavors even taste better the next day.
Family Friendly Comfort Food
Kids and adults both love this recipe. The bacon and cheddar make it hearty, while the ranch seasoning adds a fun twist. So whether it is a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this soup always feels like home.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup uses simple, easy to find ingredients. However, each one plays an important role in building that creamy, savory flavor.
Key Ingredients That Build Flavor
You need 1¼ cups cooked chopped bacon, and you divide it between cooking and garnish. The bacon adds smoky depth right from the start.
Next, use one 32 ounce bag frozen diced potatoes. These cook evenly in the slow cooker and create the hearty base.
Then pour in 4 cups chicken broth and one 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup. Together, they form the savory backbone of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
Add one packet dry ranch dressing mix, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Because of these seasonings, the soup tastes bold and balanced.
Dairy Ingredients for Creamy Texture
For that rich texture, add 8 ounces softened cream cheese cut into cubes. As it melts, it thickens the soup beautifully.
You also stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese near the end. This adds strong cheesy flavor and extra creaminess.
Finally, pour in 1 cup half and half. It smooths everything out and gives Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup that luscious finish.
Garnishes for Extra Flavor and Texture
Before serving, top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar. Then sprinkle on the remaining bacon and chopped green onions.
Because of these toppings, every bite has a mix of creamy soup, crispy bacon, and fresh onion crunch.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Step by Step
Making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup feels almost too easy. However, the slow cooking time builds deep flavor and tender texture.
Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
First, place the frozen diced potatoes into a 6 quart slow cooker. Then pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup.
Next, add the cubed cream cheese, ranch seasoning, black pepper, onion powder, and most of the cooked bacon. Stir briefly so everything combines.
Slow Cook Until Potatoes Are Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for about 2 to 3 hours.
Meanwhile, the potatoes soften and absorb all that creamy flavor. By the end of cooking, they should feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Stir in Cheese and Half and Half
About 15 minutes before serving, remove the lid. Then stir well so the softened cream cheese fully blends into the soup.
Next, pour in the half and half and shredded sharp cheddar. Cover again and let it cook until the cheese melts completely. As a result, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup becomes thick, smooth, and irresistibly cheesy.
Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Then top with extra cheddar, the remaining bacon, and chopped green onions.
Serve immediately while it is warm and creamy. Every spoonful tastes rich, savory, and comforting.
Pro Tips for the Best Potato Soup in the Crock Pot
Even though Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is simple, a few small tips make it even better.
Use Frozen Diced Potatoes for Best Texture
Frozen diced potatoes hold their shape well. Because of that, they create a hearty texture without turning mushy.
How to Adjust Thickness
If the soup turns out too thick, add a little more chicken broth. Stir well, then let it warm through.
However, if you want it thicker, let it cook uncovered for a few extra minutes so some liquid reduces.
Choosing the Right Cheese and Dairy
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. Meanwhile, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre shredded varieties.
You can also swap half and half for whole milk if you prefer lighter soup. On the other hand, heavy cream makes it even richer.
Cooking on Low vs High What to Know
Cooking on LOW develops deeper flavor over time. However, HIGH works well if you need dinner faster.
Either way, check that the potatoes are fork tender before adding the final dairy ingredients.
Easy Variations and Substitutions
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup adapts easily, so you can tweak it based on what you have on hand.
Swap the Dairy for a Richer or Lighter Version
For a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of half and half. Meanwhile, for a lighter option, use milk.
You can also reduce the cream cheese slightly if you want fewer calories.
Add Extra Protein or Vegetables
Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein. You could also add cooked sausage for a heartier version.
For vegetables, mix in chopped broccoli or carrots. As a result, the soup feels more balanced.
Make It Spicy
If you like heat, add diced jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Then top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Using Hash Browns Instead of Diced Potatoes
You can swap frozen shredded hash browns for diced potatoes. However, the texture will be slightly softer and thicker.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup pairs well with simple, cozy sides.
Bread and Rolls
Serve it with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread. That way, you can soak up every drop of creamy broth.
Simple Side Salads
A crisp green salad balances the rich soup. For example, use romaine, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
Cornbread and Comfort Sides
Cornbread adds a sweet contrast to the savory flavors. Together, they create the perfect comfort meal.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
Because Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup makes a generous batch, storing leftovers is easy.
How to Store in the Refrigerator
Let the soup cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
Can You Freeze Crack Potato Soup?
You can freeze the soup before adding the dairy. Store it up to three months.
When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat and stir in the cream cheese, cheddar, and half and half.
Best Way to Reheat Without Curdling
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often so the dairy stays smooth.
If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth or milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making potato soup?
Avoid overcooking the potatoes, as they can turn mushy. Also, add dairy near the end so it does not separate.
Why is it called crack potato soup?
The name comes from its addictive flavor. The mix of bacon, ranch, and cheese makes Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup hard to stop eating.
How long does it take for potatoes to soften in crock pot soup?
On LOW, potatoes soften in about 5 to 6 hours. On HIGH, they usually soften in 2 to 3 hours.
What is the secret to the best potato soup?
The secret lies in layering flavor. Use bacon, sharp cheddar, ranch seasoning, and cook low and slow for the creamiest result.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
- The Best Chicken Alfredo Slow Cooker Recipe
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
- Best Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot
- Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup proves that simple ingredients can create big comfort. Because it cooks slowly, the flavors blend beautifully, and the texture turns rich and creamy.
A Simple, Crowd Pleasing Slow Cooker Soup
This soup works for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or casual gatherings. Just stir, cook, and enjoy.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
With minimal prep, family friendly flavor, and easy leftovers, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup fits right into your regular meal plan. It is creamy, hearty, and always satisfying.
For more cozy slow cooker ideas, you can also follow along on Pinterest at pinterest for daily inspiration.
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups cooked chopped bacon, divided
- 32 oz frozen diced potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 oz packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup half and half
- chopped green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Add frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cubed cream cheese, ranch seasoning, black pepper, onion powder, and most of the bacon to a 6 quart slow cooker. Stir briefly to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir well so the cream cheese blends smoothly. Add half and half and shredded cheddar. Cover and cook until cheese melts completely.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar, remaining bacon, and chopped green onion. Serve hot.
