Nothing beats the cozy warmth of a creamy, cheesy potato soup on a chilly day. This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, bursting with hearty flavors and topped with irresistible garnishes like crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and fresh chives. Plus, it’s super simple to prepare—just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: The slow cooker takes care of everything, so you can “set it and forget it.”
- Customizable Toppings: Pile on your favorite fixings to make it your own.
- Rich & Creamy: With cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar, it’s indulgently smooth.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 6–8 medium potatoes (about 6 cups), peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for extra depth
For Toppings:
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crock Pot
- In your slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if using).
- Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are soft and tender.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Ingredients
- Once the potatoes are cooked, add the cream cheese and sour cream to the slow cooker.
- Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired texture. For a chunky soup, mash lightly; for a smooth consistency, blend more thoroughly.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes: crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for that perfect finishing touch.
Tips for the Best Potato Soup
- Adjust the Consistency: If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the bacon topping.
- Extra Creamy Tip: Blend the entire soup and add an extra dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for ultimate richness.
- Add Veggies: Diced carrots, celery, or even corn make great additions for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fats: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup without a Crock Pot?
Yes! You can make it on the stovetop. Simmer the potatoes in broth until tender, then blend and add the creamy ingredients as directed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make this soup healthier?
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, light sour cream, and limit the cheese.
4. What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when cooked.
5. Can I add meat or other proteins?
Absolutely! Cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled sausage would pair perfectly with this soup.
Why This Recipe Works
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is not only comforting and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. In fact, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an easy meal to prep for the week, or even a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes. Moreover, the combination of creamy potatoes, savory cheese, and customizable toppings ensures that every bite is pure comfort.
Therefore, grab your slow cooker and treat yourself to a big bowl of this creamy potato goodness—it’s the cozy hug you didn’t realize you needed!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup – Creamy and Comforting Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 8 meduim potatoes about 6 cups, peeled and diced
- 1 meduim onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp Optional: smoked paprika for extra depth
- For Toppings:
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves for added flavor.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- In your Crock Pot, combine the diced potatoes, onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (optional).
- Stir everything to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easy to mash.
Step 4: Add Creamy Ingredients
- Once the potatoes are fully cooked, add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the slow cooker.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired texture. For a chunky consistency, mash lightly. For a smoother texture, blend until creamy.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until it melts completely and is fully incorporated into the soup.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crispy bacon crumbles, extra shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.