Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel and Dice Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and dicing them into small, bite-sized cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and blend well into the creamy soup.
- Cook Bacon: If you haven’t already cooked your bacon, fry or bake it until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside some extra bacon crumbles for garnishing.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Potatoes
- Layer the Potatoes and Onion: Add the diced potatoes and onion to the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base for your soup.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the minced garlic, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika (if using). The ranch seasoning is key to giving the soup its signature “crack” flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and begin to fall apart easily.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
- Mash for Texture: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes directly in the crock pot. This will thicken the soup while leaving some chunks for texture. You can make it as smooth or as chunky as you like.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness
- Stir in the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the slow cooker. Stir until fully combined and melted into the soup, creating a creamy base.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and evenly distributed throughout the soup. The cheese will give the soup its rich, velvety texture.
- Mix in the Bacon: Add the crumbled bacon (saving some for garnish) to the soup and give it a good stir.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. We recommend adding extra shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and color.
Optional Step: Add a Crunchy Topping
If you love a little crunch in your soup, consider serving with crispy croutons or a side of toasted bread for dipping. You can even top your soup with fried onion strings for an extra indulgent touch!
Tips for Success
- For Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove about 1/2 cup of the soup, blend it, and then return it to the pot. Alternatively, you can stir in a bit of instant potato flakes to thicken the soup even more.
- Customizable Toppings: Don’t hesitate to go wild with toppings! Chopped chives, sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the flavor.
- Cheese Choice: While cheddar is traditional, feel free to mix it up with gouda, Colby jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is more than just a soup—it’s a full meal in a bowl. The creamy base combined with the hearty potatoes, tangy ranch seasoning, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a cold evening or whenever you need some serious comfort food, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Final Thoughts
Indulge in a warm, hearty bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in or need to feed a crowd, this soup is guaranteed to please with its rich, cheesy flavors and comforting texture. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, making this a stress-free meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.