When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to lift your spirits. Have you ever craved a rich, creamy bowl of soup that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but actually only requires a little prep and a slow cooker? Well, let me introduce you to the irresistible goodness of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. This dish combines potatoes, cheese, and savory seasonings to create a meal that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Let’s dive into the details of making this superbly delicious soup!
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Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Total Time: 420 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A warm, comforting bowl of creamy crock pot potato soup with cheese and savory seasonings, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon alternative
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chives, green onions, or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into small chunks. Chop your onion and mince the garlic.
- In your crock pot, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Put the lid on your crock pot and cook on low for about 360 to 480 minutes, or on high for 180 to 240 minutes.
- Once cooking time is up, scoop out about 2 cups of the potato mixture into a bowl and mash until creamy.
- Return the mashed potato mixture back into the crock pot and add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Finally, stir in the sour cream and half of the crumbled bacon, letting it heat through for another 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with reserved bacon and garnish before serving.
Notes
For a healthier version, use low-fat cheese or a vegan cream cheese. This soup is naturally gluten-free if you check your broth labels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients
To craft your hearty and flavorful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 to 8 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon alternative (turkey bacon or chicken bacon)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chives, green onions, or parsley for garnish
Substitutions: You can swap the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version or use cauliflower to lower carbs. For a vegetarian twist, omit the bacon.
Timing
Preparing this mouthwatering soup doesn’t take much time at all. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: About 6 to 8 hours with slow-cooking
This makes it perfect for a busy day where you can throw everything in before heading out, and come home to the irresistible aroma of a ready-to-eat meal.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into small chunks, ensuring they’re relatively uniform in size for even cooking. Chop your onion and mince the garlic. This step makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2: In your crock pot, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Then, pour in the chicken broth, which will provide the flavorful base of your soup.
Step 3: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients slightly.
Step 4: Put the lid on your crock pot and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. If you’re home while it cooks, enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Step 5: Once cooking time is up, take off the lid and scoop out about 2 cups of the potato mixture into a bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash it up until creamy. This ensures a rich texture for your soup while preserving some chunks of potato.
Step 6: Return the mashed potato mixture back into the crock pot and then add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until everything is well-combined and the cheese is melty.
Step 7: Finally, stir in the sour cream and half of the crumbled bacon, letting it heat through for another 15-20 minutes. This final step infuses the soup with that creamy richness everyone loves.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with reserved bacon and sprinkle some chives, green onions, or parsley before serving for a delightful presentation.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make this soup a little lighter, here are some modification ideas. You can reduce the amount of cheese or opt for low-fat alternatives. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace bacon with your choice of a turkey or chicken alternative. Trying a cauliflower base instead of potatoes can give a low-carb vibe while keeping it creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup hot, and consider pairing it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a wholesome meal. To enhance the presentation, you might want to drizzle a bit of extra sour cream on top and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A crisp apple cider or refreshing iced tea can complement the flavors nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best cooks make mistakes sometimes! Here are a few pitfalls to avoid when making this soup:
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Be cautious not to cook the potatoes too long. They should be tender but not mushy.
- Not Mashing Enough: To achieve that creamy texture, ensure you mash enough of the potato mixture to integrate into the broth properly.
- Skimping on Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. It’s essential to bring out all the wonderful flavors in your soup, so taste while cooking.
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is highly likely because it’s so good), refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheating is easy – just warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated throughout. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to three months. When reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it back up.
FAQs
What is the best way to thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, mashing a portion of the potatoes back into the mixture will naturally create a creamier texture. You can also add a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a quicker thickening method.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients used are labeled gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to your soup, include diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all your ingredients the day before and store them in the fridge. Just combine everything in the crock pot the next morning.
Is it okay to freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Pour individual portions into airtight containers, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw and reheat!
Conclusion
This recipe for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is all about comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor. Perfect for any time of year, but especially on those chilly nights, it fills your belly and warms your heart. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, even novice cooks can shine in the kitchen. So why not give this delightful recipe a go? You might just find it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.