Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food recipe: Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup! This hearty and creamy soup is a game-changer on chilly evenings, delivering a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and smoky bacon flavors. The best part? You can set it and forget it in your slow cooker, making it a stress-free option for feeding a hungry family or simply indulging in a bowl of pure comfort.

I remember the first time I whipped up this addictive soup when unexpected guests dropped by, and it was a hit! The melty cheddar cheese combined with perfectly tender potatoes creates a dish that keeps everyone coming back for more. From family game nights to neighborhood gatherings, this soup has become a staple, loved by all who taste it. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, thickening over time for a cozy reheated meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a must-try. With simple ingredient swaps and handy freezing tips, you can customize this recipe to suit any occasion. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Quick Benefits

• Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for chilly evenings, this creamy soup offers a rich and comforting experience with a balance of cheesy flavors and smoky bacon.
• Easy and Convenient: Simply toss the ingredients in a slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time, making it a convenient option for feeding a hungry family or enjoying a big bowl of comfort.
• Customizable and Versatile: Swap ingredients like bacon for turkey bacon or make it vegetarian, use reduced-fat cheese or half-and-half for a lighter version, and experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

• Rich and Cozy: Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is the epitome of comfort food with its creamy texture and cheesy flavors.
• Easy to Make: A crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort – just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer until dinner time.
• Irresistible Flavors: The gooey melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and ranch seasoning blend together to create a deliciously addictive taste.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will keep coming back for seconds, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or game nights.
• Versatile Options: Easily customizable with substitutions like turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, or different herb blends to suit dietary preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the soup for days as it thickens and the flavors deepen, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Pairing Possibilities: Goes well with a variety of sides, from a simple green salad to a crusty bread or even a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Year-Round Comfort: With seasonal variations like roasted garlic in winter or sweet corn in summer, this soup is suitable for any time of the year.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later – just remember to add dairy and garnishes when reheating for the best taste and texture.
• Endlessly Comforting: A classic recipe with a modern twist, this potato soup is sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table.

Ingredients for Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Base

• 6 cups russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

Dairy

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste

Protein and Garnishes

• Additional shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions or fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• Extra cooked bacon bits, for garnish (optional)

Pro Tips for Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Pro Tip 1: For extra flavor, roast garlic before adding it to the soup. This will create a deeper, richer taste that complements the creamy potatoes and cheesy goodness perfectly.

Pro Tip 2: To lighten up the soup, opt for reduced-fat cheese or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will help cut down on calories without sacrificing the creamy texture and delicious taste of the dish.

Pro Tip 3: Customize your toppings to suit your preferences. Popular options like extra cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and fresh chives add a restaurant-style finish to each bowl. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes to elevate the presentation and flavor of this comforting potato soup.

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch uniform cubes for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients

Layer diced potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes, followed by shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

Step 3: Add Broth

Cover the ingredients with chicken or vegetable broth, making sure the potatoes are completely covered.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream

Add heavy cream and mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as necessary.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spoon soup into bowls and top with desired garnishes such as extra cheese, bacon bits, green onions, or chives.

Storage Tips

To store the finished crock pot crack potato soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a sealed container. Refrigerate the leftovers for up to four days to enjoy later. Keep in mind that the soup may thicken as it sits, so you can add a splash of broth or milk when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave to reach the desired consistency.

For longer storage, you can freeze the potato soup in freezer-safe containers. It is recommended to ladle the cooled soup halfway through before adding the dairy such as heavy cream. When reheating the frozen soup, ensure it is fully thawed before adding the heavy cream and finishing with garnishes just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Remember, this creamy and flavorful potato soup can be customized with different toppings and variations to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have russet or Yukon gold potatoes on hand, red potatoes can be a suitable substitute if diced evenly after peeling. They will provide a slightly different texture but will still work well in the soup.

For a vegetarian version of this soup, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. To maintain that smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to mimic the bacon essence.

If you prefer a lighter version of this soup, using half-and-half instead of heavy cream can reduce the richness while still maintaining creaminess. This adjustment can make the dish a bit lighter without compromising on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a “Potato Soup Bar” for your next gathering. Provide bowls of toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, fresh chives, sour cream, hot sauce, and even some crispy garlic croutons. Let your guests customize their bowls of crock pot crack potato soup with their favorite toppings, creating a personalized and delicious meal experience.

To add a twist to your potato soup, consider serving it in bread bowls for a cozy and comforting meal. Simply hollow out round bread loaves, ladle the creamy soup into the bread bowls, and top with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and fresh chives. The combination of warm, creamy soup and crusty bread creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors that will elevate your crock pot crack potato soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.

FAQs for Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Can I use red potatoes instead of russet or Yukon gold potatoes?

Yes, you can use red potatoes as a substitute. Just make sure to peel and dice them evenly for consistent cooking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skipping the bacon. To add a smoky flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Absolutely! Using half-and-half will result in a slightly lighter soup while still maintaining a creamy texture.

What are some popular toppings for this potato soup?

Popular toppings include extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and fresh chives. These toppings add flavor and a restaurant-style finish to the soup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a cold day, a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, and a cherished family favorite that brings everyone back to the table for seconds. The creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and smoky bacon flavors make it a comforting classic with a modern twist that never fails to impress.

So, whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or a dish to share with friends and loved ones, remember that this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is here to stay. With simple ingredients, customizable variations, and easy storage options, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed time and time again. Embrace the nostalgia, savor the flavors, and make memories around the dinner table with this heartwarming soup. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful of this delicious Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup!