Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food!
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day, and the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a game-changer in the world of comfort food.
With its rich, creamy texture and an irresistible combination of bacon, cheese, and tender potatoes, this soup takes indulgence to a whole new level.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy, this dish is sure to satisfy all your cravings.
Ingredients
6 medium potatoes (peeled and diced
1 medium onion (diced)
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (plus extra for garnish)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Start by placing the frozen hash browns at the bottom of your slow cooker. The beauty of using hash browns is that they cook down quickly and absorb the flavors around them.
Add the cream cheese on top of the hash browns, cutting it into cubes so it melts evenly during the cooking process.
Next, chop your bacon into small pieces and scatter it over the mixture in the Crock Pot. The bacon will crisp up and infuse the soup with its smoky, savory flavor as it cooks.
Pour in the chicken broth to cover the ingredients and add depth to the soup. For an extra layer of flavor.
stir in some diced onions, which will soften and become aromatic as they cook.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Don’t worry if the ingredients don’t seem to mix right away; the slow cooking process will do the magic.
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
As the soup nears completion, give it a good stir to break up the cream cheese and ensure it’s fully incorporated into the broth.
The hash browns will break down and help thicken the soup, making it wonderfully creamy. Once everything is fully mixed, add in shredded cheddar cheese.
stirring until it’s melted and blended into the soup. The cheese not only enhances the flavor but adds a creamy, cheesy texture that makes the soup extra comforting.
For a thicker consistency, you can use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This will give the soup a heartier texture without losing its creaminess.
Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, taste it for seasoning and adjust as needed. If it needs more salt or pepper, feel free to add a bit more.
How to Make
Making this soup is as easy as throwing everything into the Crock Pot and letting it do the work for you. The first step is to place the frozen hash browns in the slow cooker.
The great thing about using frozen hash browns is that they cook up quickly and don’t require peeling or chopping.
making this recipe even easier. Cube the cream cheese and add it on top of the hash browns for a velvety texture.
Next, add the cooked bacon pieces. If you prefer, you can cook the bacon in advance, but you can also throw uncooked bacon into the pot—it will crisp up beautifully as it cooks with the other ingredients.
Pour in the chicken broth and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture slightly to help distribute the seasonings.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for several hours. During this time, the potatoes will break down, the cream cheese will melt, and the flavors will blend together.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and fully incorporate into the soup. The soup will thicken as it cooks, creating a rich, creamy base.
Once the cheese has melted, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit of spice.
feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. For a little extra creaminess, a splash of milk or heavy cream can be added at the end.
Tips
To make this soup even more flavorful, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving.
These herbs provide a fresh contrast to the rich and creamy soup, adding both color and a touch of brightness.
If you’re looking to make the soup lighter, you can swap out some ingredients. For example.
instead of regular bacon for a healthier alternative, or opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper. This will give the soup a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
If you love extra cheese, feel free to top each bowl with a handful of shredded cheddar or even a dollop of sour cream.
This soup can also be made ahead of time. Once cooked, allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
for up to three days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, and it will still taste just as delicious.
For an extra indulgent experience, serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
The soup itself is rich and satisfying, but pairing it with a crispy bread or sandwich will elevate your meal to a new level of comfort.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. While cheddar is classic, you could try adding a bit of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
If you want to make the soup even more filling, consider adding some vegetables like corn or peas.
These add a bit of sweetness and crunch that balances out the richness of the potatoes and bacon.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
With minimal prep time and the magic of the slow cooker, you can create a creamy, savory soup that will keep you coming back for more.
Whether you stick with the classic ingredients or experiment with your own twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
So grab your Crock Pot, throw everything in, and enjoy the warmth and comfort this soup brings to your table.