Description
Discover the savory indulgence of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, a beloved homestyle dish that combines the creamy richness of potatoes with the irresistible flavors of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings, this slow cooker recipe promises hearty satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of diced potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
Layer the Ingredients: In the crock pot, place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
Add the Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring the liquid just covers them.
Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
Add Cream and Season: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7-8 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 8 people
Notes
To ensure you get the most out of your comforting Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, follow these tips for serving and storing:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Before serving, top each bowl of soup with additional shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives. This adds both flavor and visual appeal.
- Accompaniments: Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. It’s also delicious with a side salad for a more complete meal.
- Presentation: Use deep soup bowls to showcase the hearty texture of the soup. Garnish generously to make each serving inviting and appetizing.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens upon standing, you can stir in a little more broth or cream to achieve the desired consistency before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While possible, creamy soups like this one may separate slightly upon freezing. If freezing, do so without the cream. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Stir in cream just before serving to maintain texture.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
- Batch Cooking: Consider doubling the recipe if you have a larger slow cooker or need to serve a crowd. Leftovers can be portioned and frozen for later enjoyment.
- Flavor Enhancement: Soups often taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Adjust seasoning before serving leftover soup to refresh the flavors.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup fresh and flavorful, whether serving it immediately or saving some for later. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this soup is sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites with its rich, comforting flavors.
