Description
Creamy, indulgent crock pot crack potato soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. Hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a soul-warming dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 lbs potatoes, diced
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken broth
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon by crisping it in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and perfectly rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Transfer the diced potatoes directly into the crock pot, creating an even layer as the soup’s foundational base.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Pour the chicken broth carefully into the crock pot, covering the potatoes and seasoning completely.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring gently to distribute the spices throughout the liquid.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the potatoes to simmer and tenderize for 6-7 hours until they’re incredibly soft and easily mashable.
- During the last hour of cooking, incorporate the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream, creating a rich and velvety texture that transforms the soup’s consistency.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely and blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially break down the potatoes, creating a rustic, thick soup with some chunks remaining.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve hot, garnishing with reserved crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and fresh chives for a vibrant and aromatic finish.
Notes
- Bacon Preparation: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and richer flavor profile that enhances the soup’s overall taste.
- Potato Selection: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and creamy consistency when mashed.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain consistent low heat to prevent burning and allow flavors to develop gradually and deeply.
- Dairy Incorporation: Add cream and sour cream near the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, silky texture.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon, use low-fat dairy, and choose gluten-free ranch seasoning for lighter version.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and substitute bacon with smoked paprika or roasted mushrooms for umami depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg