Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cooking the bacon. You can either cook it on the stove or in the oven until it’s crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside for later.

Next, peel and dice the potatoes into small, even chunks (about 1-inch pieces). Russet potatoes work best for this soup because they break down into a creamy texture as they cook, creating a smooth and rich base.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. This step will enhance the garlic’s flavor, making the soup even more aromatic.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Now, it’s time to assemble the soup in the Crock Pot. Add the diced potatoes, sautéed garlic, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and cream cheese to the Crock Pot. Stir everything together to combine.

The cream cheese will melt down as the soup cooks, creating a velvety, creamy base. The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, savory flavor that takes the soup to the next level.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Set the Crock Pot to low and cook the soup for 6 hours or high for about 3 hours. During this time, the potatoes will cook until tender and easily mashable. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the cream cheese will melt into the broth, making the soup creamy and rich.

Stir the soup halfway through if you like, but it’s not necessary. You’ll notice that the potatoes will start to soften, and the soup will thicken as it cooks.

Step 5: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are fully cooked and tender, use a potato masher to mash about half of the potatoes in the Crock Pot. This will help thicken the soup and create a creamy texture. If you like your soup a little chunkier, mash just a few potatoes. If you prefer a smoother texture, mash most of them.

If the soup seems too thick after mashing, you can add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Cheese

Once the potatoes are mashed to your liking, pour in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Next, stir in the crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste. You may want to add a little extra salt or pepper depending on how much flavor the ranch seasoning has provided.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and freshly chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful touch. If you like, you can even add a dollop of sour cream to make it extra creamy.

Serve the soup hot, with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are best for this soup because they break down easily and create a creamy texture. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can mix in some Yukon Gold potatoes.
2. Adjust the Creaminess: If you like a richer soup, you can use more cream cheese or heavy cream. For a lighter version, reduce the cream cheese and swap some of the cream for more chicken broth.
3. Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup to give it some kick.
4. Add Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables such as carrots or celery to the soup. Just chop them finely and add them at the beginning with the potatoes to ensure they cook through.
5. Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat and add a little extra cream or broth to loosen it if it’s become too thick.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy ranch seasoning makes this soup utterly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding your family on a cold winter day or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With minimal prep and the convenience of the Crock Pot, this soup is easy to make and can be enjoyed any day of the week. So, grab your ingredients, set it in the Crock Pot, and let the slow cooker do all the work for you. You’ll be rewarded with a bowl of creamy, comforting goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!