Good evening, my wonderful friends! It’s getting late on this cool Saturday night here in Khenifra, and there is nothing better than knowing a delicious, comforting dinner has been cooking itself all day. That’s why I have to share one of the most requested, addictively delicious easy crockpot dinners I know: this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. Imagine a luxuriously creamy, cheesy potato soup, loaded with the savory flavors of ranch and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal that balances ridiculously indulgent flavor with the absolute ease of a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days.
Serving Versatility
This glorious soup is a hearty meal all on its own! Serve it in a big, cozy bowl loaded with toppings, in a sourdough bread bowl for a showstopper, or pair a smaller cup with a crisp salad or a simple sandwich.
Full Recipe: The Ultimate Crock Pot Potato Soup
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 hours on low
- Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
- 2.5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (1 ounce) packet of dry ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the diced potatoes and chopped onion in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes and onions. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender. This is the magic of crockpot recipes slow cooker style!
- Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This will thicken the soup while still leaving some nice chunks.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining crumbled bacon, more cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This is one of the easiest dinner recipes crockpot style! Just 15 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does the rest.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: It uses simple, affordable ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and cheese.
- Big, cozy flavor: The combination of bacon, cheddar, and ranch is famously addictive and incredibly comforting.
- Nutritional value: It’s a hearty, homemade meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
- Customizability: This is one of those crockpot dishes that’s easy to adapt. Add in some corn or cooked, shredded chicken!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
The slow cooker is the true star of this recipe, embodying the “set it and forget it” cooking style that has been a lifesaver for busy families for decades. This gentle, low-and-slow cooking method allows the flavors of the ranch seasoning, onions, and potatoes to meld together into a deeply savory base over several hours. It’s the ultimate tool for achieving a rich, slow-simmered taste with virtually no active time in the kitchen, making it perfect for modern, busy lives.
Serving Suggestions
- The Classic Loaded Bowl: Top your soup with extra shredded cheddar, lots of crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions.
- In a Bread Bowl: For a truly decadent, restaurant-worthy experience, serve the soup inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl.
- With a Crisp Salad: Pair this rich soup with a simple green salad tossed in a bright, tangy vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
- Soup and Sandwich: Serve with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best for this soup. They break down beautifully and create a naturally thick and creamy texture.
- Crispy Bacon is a Must: For the best texture, cook your bacon separately until it’s nice and crispy. Stir half in at the end and use the other half for topping to ensure it stays crisp.
- Soften Your Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding it. It will melt into the soup much more smoothly without any lumps.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. For the creamiest, gooiest result, buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I generally don’t recommend freezing potato soups with a heavy dairy base, as they can separate and become grainy upon thawing. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if it has become too thick.
Closing Paragraph
I am so excited for you to try this incredibly easy and delicious Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup! It’s one of those magical easy soup recipes that delivers an insane amount of flavor for such little effort. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Please give it a try and let me know what you think by leaving a rating and a comment below!
🎀 Final Thoughts (Emma’s voice)
This soup is my ultimate “lazy day” indulgence. There’s something so satisfying about tossing everything in the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a house that smells absolutely divine. It’s a rich, decadent treat, and it always gets rave reviews. I hope it becomes a beloved, easy favorite in your home too!