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Oh, you know those nights when you just want something warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy? That’s exactly where this crack potato soup comes in! It’s that dreamy, creamy, bacon-ranch goodness that just hits all the right spots, especially when the weather is crummy. I used to think cooking was this huge, stressful thing, a chore tucked away after a long day. But finding joy in simple meals, like this totally approachable dump-and-go crockpot potato soup, changed everything for me. It’s amazing what a little bit of comfort food can do, and this recipe is all about making those cozy dinners happen without a fuss. Visit our Facebook page for more home-cooking inspiration!
- Why You'll Love This Crack Potato Soup
- Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Potato Soup
- Simple Steps to Make Crack Potato Soup
- Tips for the Best Bacon Ranch Soup
- Cozy Dinner Topping Ideas
- Storing and Reheating Your Crack Potato Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions About This Crockpot Potato Soup
- Nutritional Estimate for This Creamy Potato Soup
- Share Your Pure Cooking Joy!
Why You’ll Love This Crack Potato Soup
Seriously, this soup is a lifesaver! Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:
- So Easy: It’s a total dump-and-go recipe. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away!
- Incredible Flavor: That bacon ranch combo is ridiculously good, and the potatoes make it so hearty.
- Super Creamy: You get that perfect velvety texture without a ton of effort.
- Kid-Approved: It’s a family-friendly soup that even picky eaters gobble right up.
Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Potato Soup
Alright, let’s talk about what makes this crockpot potato soup so darn good because it really comes down to these simple, delicious ingredients! I always try to use Russet potatoes for this because they get nice and tender, almost fluffy, as they cook down. You’ll want about 4 cups worth, which is roughly 2 pounds, peeled and cut into nice, bite-sized cubes. Don’t worry too much about perfection here; the slow cooker is pretty forgiving!
Then, we’ve got the liquid base: 4 cups of chicken broth. I usually reach for low-sodium so I can control the saltiness myself, but use whatever you like! And for that signature ranch flavor that makes this soup feel like such a treat? We’re using one standard packet of ranch seasoning mix. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! Later on, we’ll stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of milk to get that unbelievable creamy texture. And, of course, the star toppings: 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled, about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my fave!), and 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for a fresh pop. Easy, right?
Simple Steps to Make Crack Potato Soup
Okay, getting this crack potato soup made is honestly the best part because it’s SO simple! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without, you know, actually having to do much wizardry. You can totally use your favorite slow cooker for this. It’s all about making life easier and delicious, right?
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Crack Potato Soup Base
First things first, grab your slow cooker. We’re going to do what we do best: dump and go! Just place all those lovely cubed potatoes right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, pour the chicken broth all over the potatoes. Next, sprinkle that packet of ranch seasoning mix evenly over everything. That’s it for the prep! Told you it was easy.
Cooking Your Slow Cooker Soup to Perfection
Now, the magic really starts happening. Cover your slow cooker and let it do its thing. If you’ve got time, cooking on low for about 6 to 8 hours is fantastic for really tender potatoes. But if you’re in a bit of a rush, you can totally crank it up to high for 3 to 4 hours. You’re just looking for those potatoes to be fork-tender, meaning you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Finishing Your Creamy Potato Soup
Once those potatoes are perfectly tender, it’s time to make this creamy! Gently stir in the sour cream and milk. You want to get it all nice and combined, but be careful not to let it boil after adding the dairy, okay? Just heat it through for another 15 to 20 minutes. This is what gives you that dreamy, luscious texture in your creamy potato soup.
Serving Your Hearty Soup
Ladle this gorgeous, hearty soup into your bowls. Now for the best part – the toppings! Pile on that yummy crumbled bacon, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and finish with fresh green onions.
Tips for the Best Bacon Ranch Soup
You know, making this bacon ranch soup is already super easy, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that take it from just good to absolutely fantastic. It’s these little things that make a recipe truly shine and feel like *yours*. I want this to be the go-to recipe for when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss, which is totally my vibe here at Pure Cooking Joy. You can read more about my cooking philosophy here, or check out more effortless meals perfect for busy nights here.
Achieving Ultimate Creaminess in Your Crack Potato Soup
Want that super velvety, dreamy texture? My biggest tip for upping the creaminess in your crack potato soup is to mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the slow cooker before you add the milk and sour cream. Just use a sturdy spoon or a potato masher against the side of the pot. It releases extra starch and makes the whole soup magically thicker and smoother. It’s such a simple step, but wow, what a difference it makes!
Flavor Boosters for Your Slow Cooker Soup
While the ranch packet is a flavor powerhouse on its own, don’t be afraid to give your slow cooker soup a little extra razzle-dazzle! For an even more robust ranch flavor, I sometimes add a tiny pinch of garlic powder and onion powder right along with the packet. And for the bacon… make sure you cook it until it’s really crispy! Those crunchy bits are essential for texture and that salty, smoky punch. Oh, and a little dash of black pepper or even some smoked paprika can add another layer of cozy flavor.
Cozy Dinner Topping Ideas
To make your already amazing soup a total showstopper and truly elevate it into those perfect cozy dinners, you gotta think about the toppings! Beyond the classic bacon, cheese, and green onions (which are, like, essential, right?), get creative! Imagine crunchy croutons or even some crushed tortilla chips for a fun texture. A dollop of extra sour cream or a swirl of plain Greek yogurt adds even more creamy goodness. And if you’re feeling fancy, maybe some fresh chives or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick? We love adding these little touches to make our comfort food favorites even more special.
Storing and Reheating Your Crack Potato Soup
So, the worst thing happens: you have amazing leftovers of this incredible crack potato soup! Don’t you worry, saving it is super easy and it reheats like a dream. Just let the soup cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Trust me, the flavor actually gets even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Crockpot Potato Soup
Got questions about our amazing crockpot potato soup? I’ve got answers! It’s nice to know the little details that make a recipe foolproof. For more info on our practices, check out our disclaimer.
Can I Make This Crack Potato Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this crack potato soup vegetarian, just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. And for the bacon bits, there are some fantastic vegetarian bacon alternatives available that give you that smoky crunch. Easy peasy!
How Can I Thicken This Slow Cooker Soup?
If you like your slow cooker soup extra thick, I’ve got you covered! Remember that tip about mashing some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker? That’s your best bet for a magical, creamy thickness. You could also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir that in during the last 15 minutes of cooking, but mashing the potatoes is my go-to for the creamiest result!
What Potatoes Work Best for This Recipe?
For this soup, Russet potatoes are my absolute favorite for slow cooker recipes. They break down really nicely and help thicken the soup naturally, giving it that wonderful creamy texture. Yukon Golds would also work well if you have them on hand. Just make sure to peel them and cut them into roughly equal-sized cubes so they cook evenly!
Nutritional Estimate for This Creamy Potato Soup
Now, let’s chat about the nutrition for this amazing creamy potato soup. Keep in mind these are just estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use, especially for things like sour cream or bacon. But generally, a serving packs around 350 calories, with about 20g of fat (that’s the yummy stuff from the bacon and dairy!). You’ll also get some protein and carbs to keep you full and satisfied. You can see our full privacy policy for more details on how we handle data.
Share Your Pure Cooking Joy!
I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your crack potato soup turned out! Did you try any fun new toppings? Share your photos with me on social media, rate the recipe right here on the page, or send me a message through my contact page. Seeing your creations makes my day, or check out more recipes on the blog!
PrintSlow Cooker Crack Potato Soup
A creamy, bacon ranch-flavored potato soup made in your slow cooker. This dump-and-go recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Place cubed potatoes in your slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over potatoes.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix over potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in sour cream and milk. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Do not boil.
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker before adding the sour cream and milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Consider this a great option for meal planning, similar to how meal delivery companies prepare ingredients for quick assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
