If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and creamy soup, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate solution. This dish combines the classic flavors of loaded baked potatoes into a smooth, velvety soup that will have you coming back for more. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together perfectly, creating a deliciously indulgent bowl of comfort food. The addition of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy sour cream enhances the flavor, making every spoonful a savory delight. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or preparing a crowd-pleasing meal for a party, this soup is sure to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, as the Crock Pot does most of the work for you, leaving you free to enjoy the warm, hearty flavors.

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is also versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a fan of extra cheese, crispy bacon, or a little more heat, you can customize it to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, set your Crock Pot, and in just a few hours, you’ll have a rich, comforting soup that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this soup is incredibly easy to prepare. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, so you don’t need to worry about babysitting the stove.

2. Creamy and Rich

The combination of heavy cream, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese results in a creamy and indulgent soup that’s perfect for cozying up with on a cold day.

3. Flavorful and Hearty

The addition of crispy bacon, garlic, and onions adds a savory depth of flavor to this soup. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.

4. Versatile

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can tweak the amount of cheese, add more bacon, or even throw in some extra vegetables to suit your taste.

5. Great for Meal Prep

Since it’s made in the Crock Pot, it’s ideal for busy days. You can easily make a big batch and store it for meals throughout the week or freeze it for later.

Ingredients

Bacon (diced)
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Chicken broth
Russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
Heavy cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Salt and pepper
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick.
Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese for another type like gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Bacon Substitute: If you’re looking for a healthier or non-pork version, turkey bacon or sausage can be used instead of regular bacon.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

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

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Step 3: Transfer to Crock Pot

Transfer the cooked bacon, onions, and garlic into a Crock Pot. Add the chicken broth and diced potatoes, then stir to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup

Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup in the Crock Pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the Crock Pot.

Step 6: Add Dairy and Seasoning

Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until the cheese is melted and everything is fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions and additional toppings like more cheese or bacon bits if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Blend to Your Preference: For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture. This will leave some potato chunks intact for a more textured soup.
Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thinner soup, you can add more chicken broth or a bit of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Make it Extra Creamy: For a richer soup, you can add extra sour cream or cream cheese for additional creaminess.

How to Serve

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is best served hot with a variety of optional toppings. Consider adding shredded cheese, extra bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad to complete the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of extra broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To reheat the soup, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has become too thick after being refrigerated or frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold or red potatoes, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

2. Can I make this soup without a Crock Pot?

Yes, you can make it on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot until the potatoes are tender, then blending and adding the cream and cheese.

3. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, but frozen diced potatoes can be used as a substitute.

4. Can I make this soup without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version, or use turkey bacon or sausage for a different flavor.

5. Can I use low-fat dairy?

Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream, cheese, and cream, but keep in mind the soup may not be as rich and creamy.

6. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give it some heat.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or corn can be added for extra flavor and texture.

8. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as the chicken broth you use is gluten-free.

9. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage.

10. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the savory flavors of bacon, cheese, and potatoes makes it a crowd favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to the slow cooker. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or preparing a make-ahead meal for a busy week, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy. With its adaptability and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for every season.