When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup to warm you up. This easy, creamy, and flavorful soup is made with potatoes, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and crispy bacon, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or looking for a make-ahead meal, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup isn’t just about great taste; it’s also about convenience and versatility. Here’s why this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Incredible Flavor
The combination of creamy cheese, savory bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Every spoonful is a comforting mix of creamy, cheesy goodness that will satisfy your taste buds.
Make-Ahead Convenience
This soup is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it for later, whether for a quick dinner on busy nights or for hearty lunches during the week. The best part? It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Effortless Cooking
One of the best things about Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is how simple it is to make. Just add the ingredients into the crockpot, set the temperature, and let it cook while you go about your day. By the time you’re ready to eat, dinner will be served!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. These ingredients are easy to find and come together to create the ultimate comfort food.
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Cooked Bacon: Adds a savory, salty flavor that enhances the soup’s richness.
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Frozen Diced Potatoes: A time-saving option that helps achieve a hearty texture in the soup.
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Chicken Broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid base for the soup.
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Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides creaminess and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
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Cream Cheese: The key ingredient for making the soup ultra-creamy with a slight tang.
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Ranch Seasoning Mix: A perfect blend of seasonings that give the soup its signature flavor.
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Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste and adds a subtle heat.
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Onion Powder: Adds a savory onion flavor without the texture of actual onions.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the soup a bold cheesy flavor and a creamy texture.
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Half and Half: Adds smoothness and richness to the soup.
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Green Onions: For garnish, offering a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Making Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is incredibly easy and requires minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to make this delicious dish:
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Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup of cooked bacon pieces into your 6-quart slow cooker.
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Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
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Stir the Soup: About 15 minutes before serving, open the lid and stir the soup to blend the cream cheese into the soup. Then, add the half and half and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir again, then cover and let it melt.
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Serve and Garnish: Once the cheese has melted and everything is well combined, serve the soup hot. Garnish with chopped green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and additional bacon pieces, if desired.
Tips and Variations for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
While the base recipe is already delicious, there are a few tips and variations that can make your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup even more versatile. Whether you want to experiment with flavors or make it a bit lighter, there’s plenty of room for customization.
Frozen Potatoes
Frozen diced potatoes are an excellent choice for this recipe, providing great texture without the prep work. However, if you prefer, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and dice them, then add them to the slow cooker. Just keep in mind that fresh potatoes might take a bit longer to cook.
Adjust the Broth
The potatoes will absorb quite a bit of the chicken broth, which helps thicken the soup. If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add an extra splash of chicken broth or even water. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired soup texture.
Substitute for Half and Half
While half and half gives the soup a rich, creamy texture, you can substitute it with other ingredients. For a lighter version, use regular milk or skim milk. If you want a thicker, richer soup, you can substitute half and half with heavy cream. The choice is yours!
Add More Vegetables
If you want to sneak in a bit more nutrition, consider adding some vegetables to the soup. Carrots, celery, or even corn can be added to the slow cooker with the other ingredients for extra flavor and texture.
Make it Spicy
For those who love a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the soup. This will give the soup a zesty kick that perfectly balances the creaminess.
Make it a Full Meal
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup can be made into a full meal by adding some protein. You can include cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or even sausage to make the soup heartier. This turns it into a one-pot meal that’s both filling and delicious.
Storing and Reheating Your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup makes excellent leftovers, and you can store it for later enjoyment. Here’s how you can keep it fresh for the days to come:
Storing in the Refrigerator
After the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot throughout.
Freezing Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
If you want to store it for even longer, this soup freezes beautifully. After cooling, place the soup into a ziplock bag or airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating, as the potatoes may absorb some of the liquid while frozen.
Reheating Tips
When reheating your soup, especially after freezing, you may notice it’s a bit thicker than when it was freshly made. Simply add a little more chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Stir the soup well as it heats to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Why Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a versatile dish that suits any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, looking for comfort food on a cold day, or need something to impress your guests. Here’s why it works so well for any event:
Perfect for Family Dinners
Family dinners should be enjoyable and stress-free, and this soup makes it easy. Simply set it up in the morning, and let the slow cooker do the work. When the whole family comes together at the dinner table, this hearty, filling soup will be ready to serve.
Great for Potlucks and Gatherings
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a crowd-pleaser. If you’re invited to a potluck or gathering, this soup will be a hit. It’s easy to transport, and the creamy, cheesy goodness makes it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ideal for Weeknight Meals
Busy weeknights don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. With this simple slow-cooker recipe, you can have a warm, satisfying meal without the hassle. Prep it in the morning, and when you come home after a long day, dinner will be waiting for you.
A Comforting Soup for All Ages
Whether you’re feeding little ones or adults, this soup appeals to all ages. It’s rich, creamy, and delicious, with flavors that are familiar and comforting. Plus, the addition of bacon and cheese makes it a fun, indulgent treat for everyone.
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe Card
Ingredients:
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1¼ cups cooked bacon, chopped and divided
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1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced potatoes
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
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1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, extra for serving
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1 cup half and half
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Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
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Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Combine frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup of cooked bacon pieces in a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
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Stir the Soup: About 15 minutes before serving, stir the soup to incorporate the cream cheese. Then, add the half and half and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and well combined.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, additional shredded cheddar cheese, and remaining bacon pieces if desired.
Notes:
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Frozen Potatoes: If you prefer fresh potatoes, peel and dice them before adding to the slow cooker. Fresh potatoes may require a bit more cooking time.
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Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add extra chicken broth or milk to adjust the texture.
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Storage: This soup makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
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Calories: 460 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Protein: 21g
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Fat: 39g
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Saturated Fat: 21g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
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Trans Fat: 0.03g
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Cholesterol: 116mg
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Sodium: 1380mg
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Potassium: 282mg
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Fiber: 0.1g
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 1041 IU
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Vitamin C: 0.4mg
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Calcium: 356mg
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Iron: 0.5mg
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 460 kcal
Yield: 6 servings
