If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright addictive, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is your answer! Loaded with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and creamy ranch flavor, this slow cooker soup truly lives up to its name — one spoonful and you’ll be hooked!
Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or game day gatherings, this soup delivers rich, comforting flavor with almost no effort. Just toss everything into your crock pot, let it simmer, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.
🥔 Why It’s Called “Crack” Potato Soup
Don’t let the name fool you — this soup doesn’t contain anything strange! The “crack” comes from the combination of bacon, cheese, and ranch, a trio that’s famously irresistible. The flavors blend perfectly with creamy potatoes, making this dish one of the most requested slow cooker recipes around.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make that it practically cooks itself!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Soup
Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- 🥓 Easy to prepare — just dump, stir, and cook.
- 🧀 Rich and creamy with cheesy, ranch-style goodness.
- 🥔 Hearty and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- 🍲 Family-friendly and picky-eater approved.
- ❄️ Great for meal prep — leftovers taste even better the next day!
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need simple, easy-to-find ingredients to make this soup:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (or diced)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor
Toppings (optional but highly recommended):
- Extra bacon crumbles
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
👩🍳 How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This slow cooker soup couldn’t be easier to make! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In your crock pot, combine the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, ranch mix, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Add the Creaminess
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, and bacon.
Let it cook for the remaining time, stirring occasionally, until the cheese and cream cheese are fully melted and blended into the soup.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Once the soup is hot, creamy, and perfectly thickened, ladle it into bowls.
Top each serving with extra bacon, cheese, and green onions for that restaurant-quality finish!
🥄 Tips for the Best Potato Soup
- Use frozen hash browns — they hold up well and save prep time.
- Soften the cream cheese before adding it to help it melt smoothly.
- Don’t skip the bacon — it adds smoky, savory flavor.
- For extra richness, replace half the milk with heavy cream.
- Adjust thickness — add more broth for a thinner soup or mash a few potatoes for a thicker texture.
🍞 Serving Suggestions
This rich, hearty soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
- A green salad for a lighter side
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for an indulgent meal
- Cornbread muffins for a Southern twist
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Freeze:
Because of the dairy, freezing is not ideal — the texture can separate when reheated. However, if you must freeze it, do so before adding the cream cheese and milk, then add those after thawing.
🧀 Recipe Variations
- Loaded Crack Soup: Add corn, chopped onions, or diced jalapeños for more flavor.
- Chicken Crack Soup: Add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
- Spicy Version: Mix in hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese.
🍲 Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is one of those recipes that instantly becomes a household favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor — a true bowl of comfort!
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. With simple ingredients and no hassle, it’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
So grab your crock pot, toss in the ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with this irresistible, creamy potato soup. One taste and you’ll see why it’s called “crack” soup! 🥔🥓🧀
Print
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 3 medium)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus extra for topping)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: green onions, extra cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Sauté onion 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Transfer to a slow cooker. Add potatoes and broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash the soup—creamy with chunky bites.
- Stir in milk, sour cream, 1 ½ cups cheddar, crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook uncovered on HIGH for 30–45 minutes to thicken and melt cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Ladle into bowls and top with remaining cheese, bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
✨ Set it and forget it—ideal for busy days, potlucks, or cozy nights in!
💡 Make it vegetarian: Skip bacon or use coconut bacon. Use veggie broth.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 6 hrs (on low) , Total Time : 6 hrs 15 mins , Servings : 6 , Calories : 320 , Net Carbs: 24g , Fats: 20g , Protein: 14g