Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it work its magic, freeing up your time for other activities.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The harmonious blend of cheese, savory meat, and ranch seasoning creates a universally appealing taste that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a hearty main course or a satisfying appetizer, this soup complements a variety of side dishes like crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey or beef sausage
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, meat bits, chopped green onions, or chives
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Layer in the Crock Pot: Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled meat.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring the liquid covers them completely.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Finish the Soup: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired texture.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, meat bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low heat in the slow cooker.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some heat to the soup.
- Additional Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like corn, carrots, or celery.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent the cream from separating, consider freezing the soup without the cream and adding it after reheating.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and dice them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer over low heat until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer as a substitute for heavy cream to make the soup dairy-free.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling in the soup?
To prevent curdling, ensure that the soup is not boiling when you add the cream. Stir the cream in slowly over low heat.
Can I add more protein to this soup?
Yes, adding cooked shredded chicken or diced turkey can enhance the protein content and make the soup more filling.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its robust flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorites.
How can I make this soup lower in fat?
Use lean meat, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, and opt for reduced-fat cheese to lower the fat content.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth or cream if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
What can I serve alongside this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for busy days or relaxed gatherings. The combination of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory meat creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. With easy prep and slow cooker convenience, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy a warm bowl with your favorite sides and make it your own with the suggested variations!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This rich and creamy Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is packed with cheesy goodness, savory seasoning, and tender potatoes, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Just set it in the slow cooker and let the magic happen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled smoked beef or turkey slices
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, green onions, or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces.
- Layer in Crock Pot: Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of your crock pot. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled smoked beef or turkey.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the ingredients in the crock pot, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged.
- Cook: Set your crock pot to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the crock pot.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra cheese, chopped green onions, or chives.
Notes
- For a Smoother Texture: Blend the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
- Adjust Consistency: Add more cream or broth if needed.
- Freezing Tip: If freezing, omit the cream and add it after reheating.
