Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe
There’s something magical about walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of potato soup simmering in the slow cooker. This recipe isn’t just another easy soup recipe – it’s a hug in a bowl that your family will request again and again. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you need some culinary comfort without the fuss. The creamy texture combined with savory flavors creates a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple to prepare. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- 6-8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 ranch seasoning packet
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Begin by peeling and dicing your potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Pro tip: keep the pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Add potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, butter, and ranch seasoning to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring potatoes are fully covered.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender. Use a potato masher to partially mash some potatoes (leave some chunks for texture).
Stir in milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking on LOW for another 30 minutes until everything is melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and dried dill. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with remaining cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy potato soup is a meal on its own, but it reaches new heights when served with some crusty bread for dipping. For a complete dinner, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the soup. Create a topping station with extra cheese, chopped green onions, crispy fried onions, or even avocado slices for a fun, customizable dinner experience.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors often develop and improve overnight, making this a fantastic make-ahead option for easy crockpot dinners.
Freezer: While creamy soups typically don’t freeze well due to potential separation, you can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Just be aware the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Crack Potato Soup
For extra-rich flavor, consider cooking the onions in a skillet until caramelized before adding them to the crockpot.
The soup will thicken as it cools. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more milk or broth when reheating.
For time-saving preparation, use pre-diced refrigerated potatoes from your grocery store’s produce section.
Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before adding it to the soup for smoother incorporation.
Recipe Variations
Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutritious twist on this crockpot soup recipe.
Add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and to transform this into a more substantial meal.
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Create a loaded baked potato version by adding your favorite baked potato toppings like chives, sour cream, and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns are a great time-saver. Use about 32 oz of frozen hash browns and reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to your crockpot and turn it on.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ranch seasoning packets contain a small amount of gluten. Check labels carefully or use a homemade ranch seasoning mix to ensure it’s gluten-free.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Try adding a bay leaf during cooking (remove before serving), or stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon at the end. A dash of smoked paprika can also add wonderful depth.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking time, you get a restaurant-quality soup that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect addition to your collection of fast dinner recipes and easy crockpot dinners. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this creamy potato soup delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.
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