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Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Having all the ingredients ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Layer in the Crock Pot
- Add the diced potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Make sure the potatoes are submerged in the broth.
Step 3: Cook in the Crock Pot
- Cover the Crock Pot and set it to high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Stir the soup halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly. You can blend it to your desired level of creaminess, whether you want it smooth or to leave some chunks of potatoes for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer part of the soup to a regular blender, blend, and return it to the Crock Pot.
Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the soup. Stir well until the cream cheese melts completely into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy base.
Step 6: Add the Cheese, Bacon, and Seasonings
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding richness and flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, adjusting to taste. If you want a little heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes at this point.
Step 7: Let It Simmer
- Let the soup simmer on low for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheese to fully melt. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions or chives for a burst of freshness and color.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: While russet potatoes work fine, Yukon Gold potatoes add a creamier texture to the soup due to their natural buttery consistency. They also hold up better during cooking.
- Crispy Bacon: For the best flavor, use crispy bacon that you crumble yourself. You can cook the bacon in a skillet before adding it to the soup or even use pre-cooked bacon if you’re short on time.
- For Extra Flavor: Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for additional depth of flavor.
- Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use a Combo of Cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can add a different flavor and creaminess to the soup.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or use reduced-fat cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Pair this comforting soup with a thick slice of crusty bread, garlic bread, or even cheddar biscuits for the ultimate cozy meal.
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the soup.
- For Extra Protein: If you want to make the soup even heartier, you can add rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for extra protein.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. Since the cream cheese and heavy cream make the soup rich and creamy, it’s best to freeze it without the cheese and cream, then add them after reheating for the best texture.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a little extra chicken broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.
Why This Recipe Works
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is an unbeatable comfort food. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, creamy soup without much effort. The potatoes become tender, the bacon adds a smoky crunch, and the cheese and cream make every bite feel indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the best part is that you can throw everything in the Crock Pot and let it cook itself!
The Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a holiday meal, this soup is sure to be a hit. Plus, with the convenience of the Crock Pot, you can spend more time relaxing and less time in the kitchen.
So, get your Crock Pot ready, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a cozy bowl of this irresistible soup. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles!
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