Introduction

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is simple, delicious, and packed with flavor. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work. The result is a creamy, comforting soup loaded with potatoes, cheese, and bacon. For another easy slow cooker meal, try this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe or this classic Slow Cooker Chili II Recipe.

Ingredients

This creamy, savory Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup delivers the ultimate comfort with its rich combination of potatoes, ham, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese—all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.

• 6 russet potatoes (about 7 cups chopped)
• 1 onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 16 oz diced ham
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 can chicken broth (14.5 oz)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 16 oz bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	4 hours
Total Time	4 hours 15 minutes

Context: This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to streamlined prep and slow cooker efficiency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients for your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: 6 cups diced potatoes, 1 cup chopped bacon, 1 diced onion, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 4 cups chicken broth, and seasonings. Prepping everything beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process.

Step 2 — Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease for sautéing. This adds rich flavor to your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup base.

Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics

Sauté diced onion in reserved bacon grease until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for your potato soup.

Step 4 — Combine in Slow Cooker

Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to your crock pot. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and half of the cooked bacon. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5 — Slow Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. Check tenderness by piercing a potato piece with a fork—it should slide through easily.

Step 6 — Mash Potatoes

Use a potato masher to partially mash the potatoes in the crock pot, leaving some chunks for texture. For creamier Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, blend half the soup with an immersion blender.

Step 7 — Add Dairy and Cheese

Turn crock pot to WARM setting. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. The residual heat will melt the cheese without curdling the dairy.

Step 8 — Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or ranch seasoning. Remember the bacon and cheese add saltiness, so taste before adding more salt.

Step 9 — Serve and Garnish

Ladle the finished Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup into bowls. Top with remaining bacon, extra shredded cheese, and chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	22g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple ingredient swaps let you customize your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup for different dietary needs while keeping the rich, comforting flavor.

• Turkey bacon instead of regular bacon — Provides the same smoky flavor with less fat and sodium
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream — Adds creaminess with more protein and less fat
• Cauliflower florets instead of some potatoes — Reduces carbs while maintaining hearty texture
• Unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk — Creates a dairy-free version with similar creaminess
• Low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular broth — Controls salt content while keeping savory base
• Cornstarch instead of flour for thickening — Makes the soup gluten-free without changing consistency
• Nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese — Offers dairy-free cheesy flavor with added nutrients
• Lean ground turkey instead of bacon — Provides protein with significantly less saturated fat

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad topped with bacon bits and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
• Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping into the creamy soup base.
• Perfect for game day gatherings or cozy family dinners where comfort food is the star.
• Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
• Garnish with fresh chopped chives or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that makes this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup a complete meal.
• Ideal for potlucks and holiday parties—this creamy soup is always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a comforting bowl, these serving ideas will make your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup even more memorable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using high-starch potatoes like Russets, which can turn to mush. Fix: Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes that hold their shape.
• Mistake: Adding dairy ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream too early. Fix: Stir them in during the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling and separation.
• Mistake: Overfilling the slow cooker, which leads to uneven cooking. Fix: Keep the Crock Pot no more than two-thirds full for optimal heat circulation.
• Mistake: Not layering ingredients properly, resulting in undercooked potatoes. Fix: Place denser potato chunks at the bottom, closer to the heat source.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of crisping the bacon separately. Fix: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it in at the end for perfect texture.
• Mistake: Using low-sodium broth without adjusting seasonings. Fix: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and garlic powder at the end, as flavors concentrate.
• Mistake: Cutting potatoes into uneven sizes, leading to some being hard. Fix: Dice potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
• Mistake: Lifting the lid frequently to check progress, which releases heat. Fix: Trust the process—each peek adds 15-20 minutes to your cooking time.
• Mistake: Forgetting to deglaze the pan after cooking bacon or sautéing aromatics. Fix: Scrape those flavorful browned bits into the Crock Pot for a richer soup base.
• Mistake: Not thickening the soup enough at the end. Fix: Create a cornstarch slurry or mash some potatoes directly in the pot for your desired consistency.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F for food safety.

For best texture, stir well when reheating and add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, effortlessly creamy and packed with flavor. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments! For more easy slow cooker meals, check out our Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe or Crockpot Chili Recipe Easy. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

Print

FAQs

Can I make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker before serving.

Can I freeze Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, as the dairy may separate slightly.

What makes this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup so addictive?

The irresistible flavor of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup comes from the combination of creamy potatoes, cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that is incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker.