When it comes to ultimate comfort food, few recipes compare to a warm, creamy bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. Loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a velvety base of cream cheese and broth, this dish has earned its “crack” nickname because it’s simply addictive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping an easy weeknight dinner, or looking for a hearty dish to share at a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite.
The best part? Your slow cooker does all the hard work—no babysitting required. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a pot full of creamy deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Set-it-and-forget-it cooking in the crock pot
✅ Rich, creamy, and cheesy texture
✅ Family-friendly and budget-friendly ingredients
✅ Easy to customize for different diets
✅ Perfect for meal prep, parties, or cozy nights in
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 4–6 hours (slow cooker)
- Total time: 4–6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 bowls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories per serving: ~420 (varies with toppings)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients:
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (best for creamy soups)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed (room temperature for easier melting)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Flavor & Toppings:
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled (reserve a little for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Smaller cubes cook faster and give a smoother soup texture.
- Dice onion and mince garlic.
Step 2: Load the Crock Pot
- Add potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, and paprika to your crock pot. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Add cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until melted and creamy.
- For an extra-smooth soup, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher inside the crock pot.
Step 5: Finish with Flavor
- Stir in sour cream and half of the crumbled bacon.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls, top with extra bacon, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Thicker soup: Mash more potatoes or stir in 2 tbsp instant mashed potato flakes.
- Lighter version: Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon.
- Extra flavor: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the crock pot.
- Spicy kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon, adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring well. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much.
What to Serve with Crack Potato Soup
Pair this hearty soup with:
- Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Cornbread with honey butter
- A crisp side salad
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen diced hash browns work great. Add them directly to the crock pot—no thawing needed.
2. How do I keep the soup from becoming too thick?
If the soup thickens while cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating.
3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a 7–8 quart slow cooker if doubling.
4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes—cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release and stir in cheeses and sour cream.
5. What’s the best cheese for creamy soup?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a bold flavor. For extra creaminess, mix in Monterey Jack or Colby.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
(Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and toppings.)
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup isn’t just another potato soup recipe—it’s a cozy, creamy, flavor-packed dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With minimal prep, customizable options, and a taste that keeps you coming back for more, it’s the perfect recipe to warm your soul on chilly days.
Give it a try tonight and see why it’s called “crack” potato soup—you really won’t be able to stop at just one bowl!
