This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with creamy potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s warm and filling.
Trust me, everyone loves it! I can’t resist sneaking a spoonful while it’s cooking—just the smell is enough to make my tummy rumble! 🍲
What I adore is how easy it is; just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it do its magic. Perfect for busy days or lazy weekends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Diced Potatoes: You can use either hashbrowns or country-style diced potatoes. If you’re feeling ambitious, fresh potatoes cut into small cubes work great too! Just make sure to add a bit more cooking time.
Cream Cheese: This gives the soup a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese (a lower-fat cream cheese) can be used instead.
Cream Soups: The recipe uses both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup for flavor depth. If you’re vegetarian or need a healthier option, substitute with two cans of cream of celery soup.
Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice! You can vary it by mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little kick!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds wonderful flavor. You can substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner variation, or for a vegetarian option, use smoked paprika for some smokiness without the meat.
How Can You Ensure Your Soup Is Extra Creamy?
To achieve that perfectly creamy consistency, it’s crucial to get the blending right. Start with softened cream cheese to help it mix in smoothly. Whisk the cream cheese and soups together thoroughly before pouring them over the potatoes to avoid any clumps.
- Make sure to stir gently after combining all the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cook on LOW for at least 6 hours; the slow cooking helps meld the flavors and creates a creamy texture.
- For creamier soup, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher just before serving to break them down more.
Enjoy this cozy soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 cups frozen diced potatoes (hashbrowns or country-style)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked crisp bacon pieces, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and then about 6 to 8 hours to cook on LOW in the crock pot (or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH). It’s perfect for starting in the morning and coming home to a warm, cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
First, spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help make sure nothing sticks while it cooks!
2. Add the Main Ingredients:
Place the frozen diced potatoes and chopped onion directly into the crock pot. Sprinkle them evenly so they are ready for the creamy mixture coming next!
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a separate large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese cubes, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes and onion in the crock pot. Gently stir everything together to make sure the potatoes are coated well.
5. Cook the Soup:
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Check for tenderness; the potatoes should be soft and the soup should be deliciously hot and creamy.
6. Add Some Crunch:
Once the soup is cooked, stir in half of the crispy bacon pieces. This will add a wonderful flavor!
7. Serve with Love:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the remaining cheddar cheese, extra bacon pieces, and green onions or chives if you like. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top is a nice touch!
8. Enjoy!
Your rich, creamy, cheesy potato soup is now ready to enjoy! It’s the perfect cozy meal for any occasion. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just peel and cube them into small pieces, and note that you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on LOW, or 30-60 minutes on HIGH, until they are tender.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup. Additionally, opt for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to maintain the creaminess.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Absolutely! Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This potato soup is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
