Slow Cooker Crack Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction:

If you’re in search of a comforting and indulgent soup, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the perfect choice. This creamy, cheesy potato soup is packed with flavor, thanks to ranch seasoning, turkey bacon, and a delightful blend of cheddar cheese and sour cream. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy days when you need a meal that’s hearty, warming, and delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this slow cooker potato soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Overview of the Recipe

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. What sets it apart is the addition of ranch seasoning, which gives the soup a tangy and savory flavor, along with turkey bacon bits that add a smoky, crispy element to each bite. The best part? Everything comes together in the crock pot, making this a hands-off, slow-cooked meal perfect for busy schedules. It’s an all-in-one, crowd-pleasing dish that’s rich, filling, and full of flavor.

History and Origin

While potato soup has been a staple comfort food in many cultures for centuries, this specific variation, known as “Crack Potato Soup,” gained popularity in recent years in the U.S. The term “crack” in this context is a playful reference to how addictive and irresistible the dish is due to its rich, cheesy, and savory components. The recipe combines American flavors like cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and turkey bacon, which are commonly found in other “crack” recipes, like crack dip or crack chicken. The use of the slow cooker is also a nod to the increasing popularity of convenience-based cooking methods in the 21st century, allowing people to prepare hearty meals with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup:

• 1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and tang to the soup.
• 2 cups chicken broth – The base liquid that helps cook the potatoes and infuses them with flavor.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The key to making the soup rich and cheesy.
• 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled) – The main ingredient of the soup, which cooks until tender in the crock pot.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup – Thickens the soup and adds savory chicken flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – Adds smoothness and creaminess to the soup’s texture.
• 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix – Provides the signature flavor of this dish with its blend of herbs and spices.
• 1/2 cup turkey bacon bits (or cooked, crumbled turkey bacon) – Adds a smoky, savory crunch to the soup.
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish) – A fresh garnish that complements the richness of the soup.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crock Pot:

• Lightly spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the ingredients don’t stick or burn.

2. Add Ingredients:

• Place the diced potatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning mix into the crock pot. Stir everything together to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated and all ingredients are combined.

3. Cook:

• Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook the soup on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are soft and fully cooked. The long cooking time allows the potatoes to absorb all the flavors and become tender.

4. Blend in Cream Cheese:

• About 30 minutes before serving, add the softened cream cheese to the soup. Stir well to ensure the cream cheese melts and becomes fully incorporated into the soup. This will make the soup even creamier.

5. Add Sour Cream and Cheddar Cheese:

• Stir in the sour cream and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking the soup until everything is warmed through and the cheese has melted completely, giving the soup a rich, cheesy consistency.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining cheddar cheese, turkey bacon bits, and green onions. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Serving Size and Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
• Servings: 6-8 servings

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with complementary sides:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: A slice of warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls pairs perfectly with the creamy soup, allowing you to scoop up every last bit.
• Salad: A light, refreshing salad, like a green garden salad or a tangy coleslaw, helps balance out the richness of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts to add some extra veggies to your meal.

For beverages, consider serving the soup with iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water to keep things light and refreshing.

Variations of the Recipe

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is versatile and can be customized in a variety of ways:

• Add Protein: For a heartier version, add cooked and shredded chicken or even ground beef to the soup.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños when adding the cheese.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. Omit the turkey bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.
• Loaded Baked Potato Style: Top the soup with extra toppings like a dollop of sour cream, chopped chives, and additional cheese for a fully loaded baked potato experience.

Health Benefits Notes

While Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is rich and indulgent, there are a few potential health benefits to consider:

• Potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, especially if you leave the skin on.
• Cheddar cheese provides calcium and protein, though it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its fat content.
• Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon, offering a lower-fat option while still adding flavor and texture.
• Chicken broth is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich base that adds depth to the soup without a lot of fat.
• Ranch seasoning provides herbs and spices, but be mindful of its sodium content if you’re watching your salt intake.

For a healthier version, consider using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and light sour cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen diced potatoes for this recipe?

• Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used as a shortcut. No need to thaw them; just add them directly to the crock pot and adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. How can I make this soup thicker?

• If you prefer a thicker consistency, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cream cheese. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water for extra thickness.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

• Yes, this soup can be frozen. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of chicken broth if needed to thin it out.

4. Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead of the crock pot?

• Absolutely. To make this soup on the stovetop, cook the potatoes in the broth until tender, then add the other ingredients as instructed. It will take about 30-40 minutes to cook on medium heat.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the ranch seasoning and turkey bacon bits. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it’s also perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping in advance. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Try it out and see why it’s called “crack” soup—it’s that addictive!

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