This Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup recipe looks fantastic! Here’s an expanded version with tips and variations to help you make the most of this comforting dish.
Who’s Ready for Comfort?
This creamy, cheesy soup is packed with flavor and perfect for chilly days! 🧀🥓🥔
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes, peeled: Use Yukon Gold or Russet for a creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds more flavor.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste!
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds a zesty kick; you can also make your own with herbs and spices.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Low-sodium broth is a good choice for better control over salt.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version): Cream adds richness; half-and-half is a good alternative if you want fewer calories.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste before seasoning!
- Optional garnishes: Extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives for a fresh touch.
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. This helps them soften at the same rate.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the crock pot, place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Add the Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid just covers them.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
- Add Cream and Season: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree it to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash some of the potatoes with a fork instead.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies: Consider adding carrots, celery, or corn for more texture and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese, coconut cream, and plant-based bacon or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
- Storage: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Just make sure to leave out the cream before freezing, and stir it in after reheating.
Nutritional Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 7-8 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup! It’s a bowl of comfort that’s sure to please everyone.