Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, creamy goodness of a potato soup with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and the comforting flavors of garlic and herbs. This slow-cooked soup is perfect for those busy days when you want to set it and forget it, and come home to a warm, hearty meal. With its creamy texture and indulgent toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a soup that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

The addition of bacon and cheese gives this soup an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s served on a cold winter day or as a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup will always hit the spot. The best part is that it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of heavy cream and cheddar cheese gives this soup a luxuriously creamy texture that will leave you satisfied after every spoonful.

2. Bacon Infused Flavor

Crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the creamy potatoes, making each bite full of irresistible taste.

3. Set It and Forget It

The slow cooking process means you can set the soup in your crock pot and let it do all the work, freeing up your time for other tasks.

4. Simple Ingredients

This soup is made with everyday ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and chicken broth, yet it delivers incredible flavor that tastes much more complex than the list of ingredients suggests.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup makes great leftovers and can easily be stored for a few days or frozen for future meals, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

Bacon, diced
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Potatoes, peeled and diced
Dried thyme
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Heavy cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped chives for garnish

Variations

Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or corn to give the soup more texture and flavor.
Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Swap the Bacon: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or skip the bacon altogether.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream and cheese, and opt for a plant-based broth to make the soup vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add to Crock Pot

Transfer the cooked bacon, onion, and garlic to your crock pot. Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend it partially to leave some pieces intact.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with the crispy bacon and chopped chives. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Blend to Your Liking: If you prefer a chunky soup, you can mash the potatoes instead of using an immersion blender.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: While slow cooking, the potatoes will break down and create a creamy base, but be sure to check them after the recommended cooking time to avoid them turning too mushy.
Adjust the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding extra chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a more complete meal. Add a dollop of sour cream or extra shredded cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or cream to return it to the desired consistency.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Add extra chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the bacon with mushrooms or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when ready to serve.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or corn are great additions to this soup. Just chop them small and add them to the crock pot with the potatoes.

5. How can I make this soup spicier?

For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup, or top it with a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.

6. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the soup will be slightly less rich and creamy.

7. Can I use a different type of potato?

While russet potatoes work best in this recipe, you can substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer.

8. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

9. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes, you can cook this soup on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot until the potatoes are tender. Blend and add cream and cheese as instructed.

10. Can I omit the bacon?

You can omit the bacon if you prefer a lighter soup or want to make it vegetarian. Consider adding some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a hearty, creamy, and delicious soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its flavorful bacon, tender potatoes, and rich cheese, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to make, and the slow-cooking process ensures that every ingredient melds together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it on a cold evening or bringing it to a gathering, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.