Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with irresistible flavors. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for cold winter nights or whenever you’re craving a bowl of something warm and satisfying. With the help of your slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the potatoes cook to tender perfection. The combination of creamy soup base, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream creates a rich, indulgent dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s a great option for busy families or anyone who loves a no-fuss recipe. The slow cooker does most of the work, so all you need to do is enjoy the delicious outcome. Whether served as a cozy dinner or as a side dish to complement a hearty meal, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a great way to incorporate comforting potatoes into your meals in a way that’s both easy and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just chop your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it do the work. The creamy texture, combined with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, bacon, and sour cream, makes this soup deeply satisfying and comforting.
The best part? It’s versatile. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences, whether that’s adding more cheese, adjusting the seasoning, or topping the soup with extra bacon and green onions. This soup is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. And with the option to cook it on low or high in the crock pot, it’s perfect for any schedule. You’ll find yourself making this soup time and time again—it’s that good!
Ingredients
- Diced potatoes
- Diced onion
- Cream of chicken soup
- Water
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked, crumbled bacon
- Sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Variations
There are plenty of ways to make this soup your own. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add more veggies like carrots or celery for added flavor.
- Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the cheddar cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives to make this soup suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
- Toppings: Garnish with green onions, extra bacon, or a drizzle of ranch dressing to enhance the flavor profile.
- More Vegetables: Add some frozen corn or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing your potatoes and onions. Place them into your slow cooker along with the cream of chicken soup and water.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and cook the soup on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
Step 4: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Sour Cream
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sour cream. Continue to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to combine.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Waxier Potatoes: For best results, use waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Golds or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well and help create a creamy texture.
- Don’t Skip Mashing: Mashing some of the potatoes gives the soup a thicker, heartier texture.
- Add More Flavor: Feel free to season the soup with garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of chicken broth for more depth of flavor.
- Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy soup, you can stir in additional sour cream or even a bit of heavy cream.
How to Serve
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, especially when paired with a side salad or crusty bread for dipping. It also works well as a side dish for a family dinner or a special occasion. For an extra treat, top the soup with additional crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or green onions. You can also serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort meal. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with other dishes, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if the soup becomes too thick.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a little extra water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Simply cook the potatoes and onions in a large pot with the cream of chicken soup and water. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then mash some of the potatoes and stir in the cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
2. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen potatoes may take a bit longer to cook.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
While the soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, check the ingredients of the canned soup to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten.
4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and use a vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version of the soup.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for more flavor and texture.
6. How can I make the soup spicier?
To make the soup spicier, add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
7. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can mash more potatoes or stir in a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little water) to thicken it.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can swap the cheddar cheese for another type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby cheese, for a different flavor.
9. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream of chicken soup, and substitute the cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger group. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. With its creamy texture, savory bacon, and melty cheese, this soup is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side, this simple recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for busy days when you need something hearty and satisfying with minimal effort.
PrintCrock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (Low) or 4 hours 30 minutes (High)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and hearty Crock Pot potato soup is loaded with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream for a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for cold weather.
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place potatoes, onion, cream of chicken soup, and water in a crock pot.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the soup by mashing more or fewer potatoes to your preference.
- For a more indulgent flavor, top with additional cheese, sour cream, or chives before serving.
- If you want to make this soup even creamier, you can add a little milk or half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (Low) or 4 hours (High)