If there’s one dish that warms my heart and soul during chilly evenings, it’s a steaming bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. I remember the first time I made this soup—my friends and I were having a cozy movie night, and I wanted to whip up something that was not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Little did I know, this creamy, cheesy concoction would become a favorite among my crew!
There’s something magical about coming home after a long day and having the aroma of this comforting soup wafting through the house. It practically greets you at the door, inviting you in for a cozy hug of flavors. Plus, let’s face it, who can resist a dish that includes both bacon and cheddar cheese? It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. So, grab your crock pot, and let’s dive into the deliciousness!
What’s in Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?
– Russet Potatoes: The star of the show! I usually go for large russets because they have a wonderful starchy texture that makes the soup thick and hearty when cooked. Just make sure to peel and dice them into small chunks so they cook evenly.
– Onion: A medium onion adds a lovely depth of flavor. I always chop mine finely to ensure it melts into the soup, giving that background richness we crave.
– Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic for that aromatic kick—because, let’s be real, what’s a comforting dish without garlic?
– Chicken Broth: This will serve as the perfect base for our soup. I usually opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
– Heavy Cream: This is what takes your soup from good to gloriously creamy. It lends a luxurious texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
– Cream Cheese: I love using softened cream cheese for an added creaminess! It melts beautifully into the soup, thickening it just right.
– Bacon: Crispy bacon brings not only flavor but a nice crunch. I say don’t hold back when you chop it up—more bacon means more happiness!
– Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheddar mixed in is heavenly, and sprinkling a little extra on top adds a nice finishing touch.
– Seasonings: A touch of thyme and paprika provides that extra oomph; salt and pepper, of course, are essential to bring everything together.
– Fresh Parsley: Not only does it brighten up the dish aesthetically, but it adds a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness.
Is Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Good for You?
Let’s keep it real—while this soup is the epitome of comfort, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a little breakdown of the health benefits (and considerations) you’ll want to keep in mind:
– Potatoes: Loaded with potassium, they provide energy and are gluten-free, but watch the portion sizes as they can be high in carbs.
– Bacon: It adds delicious flavor, but it’s also higher in fat and sodium. Using turkey bacon or reducing the amount can lighten things up a bit.
– Cream and Cream Cheese: These ingredients contribute to the soup’s rich and creamy texture, but they are calorie-dense. For a lighter version, you can replace part of the heavy cream with milk or use low-fat cream cheese.
– Cheese: While cheese brings joy, it’s also a source of saturated fat. Choosing a sharp cheddar can pack in flavor without needing to use too much.
So yes, this soup is delicious and delightful but like any treat, it’s best savored without overindulgence!
Ingredients List
– 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Fresh parsley for garnish
*Serves: About 6-8 people*
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Peel and dice your russet potatoes into small chunks for even cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic too.
2. **Combine in the Crock Pot:** Toss the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth into your crock pot. Give it a good stir.
3. **Season:** Sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix well!
4. **Cook the Soup:** Cover and set your crock pot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until those potatoes are tender and fabulous.
5. **Creamy Texture:** Once cooked, stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream. Grab a potato masher and gently mash some of the potatoes to create a creamy texture while leaving some chunks.
6. **Add Bacon and Cheese:** Stir in the chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Remember to taste and adjust your seasoning—goodness, it’s so important!
7. **Serve:** Ladle your comforting soup into bowls, sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. **Enjoy:** Serve it hot and watch the smiles spread!
Soup-erb Tips for Your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup!
– This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread—think of dunking your slice into the creamy goodness! Yum!
– Feel free to jazz it up by adding toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, or even jalapeños for a little kick!
– If you want to make this soup vegetarian-friendly, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the bacon. You’ll still have a delicious dish!
Making this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is not only easy but also a guaranteed hit you’ll want to repeat! So, give it a try, gather your friends and family, and let me know how it went! I can’t wait to hear about the smiles around your dinner table. Happy cooking!
