👉CrockPot PotatoSoup – Recipes on a Budget

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup 🥔

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for a cozy meal. It’s super easy to make in your slow cooker, making it a fantastic option for busy days. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy cheese creates a comforting bowl of soup that will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

Potatoes: Six cups of diced potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, serve as the hearty base of this soup.
Onion: One medium onion, finely chopped, adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Ham: One cup of diced ham contributes a salty, savory note.
Chicken Broth: Two cups provide the liquid foundation for the soup, enhancing the overall flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: One 10.5 oz can adds creaminess and richness.
Cream Cheese: An 8 oz package of softened cream cheese melts into the soup, making it luxuriously creamy.
Cheddar Cheese: Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese for that delicious, cheesy goodness.
Bacon: One cup of cooked and crumbled bacon adds a crispy, smoky element.
Green Onions: Half a cup of chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty garnish.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the potatoes, onion, and ham.
Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature or microwaving it for a few seconds.

Step 2: Combine in Crock Pot

Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, diced ham, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup into the Crock Pot.
Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Cheddar

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 5: Add Bacon and Green Onions

Just before serving, stir in the cooked bacon and chopped green onions.
Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions if desired.
Enjoy this warm, comforting soup that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Valuable Tips for Seamless Cooking

Helpful Tip: Use Fresh Ingredients
Opt for fresh potatoes and onions for the best flavor and texture.

Helpful Tip: Prep Ahead
Dice the potatoes and onions the night before to save time in the morning.

Helpful Tip: Low and Slow
Cooking on low for a longer time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave: Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, on medium power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, omit the ham and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used. Just add them directly to the Crock Pot.

How can I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cheese and cream cheese.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, but the soup may not be as creamy. Full-fat cheese is recommended for best results.

How do I prevent the cream cheese from curdling?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened and stir it in well to prevent curdling.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes, adding carrots, celery, or corn would be delicious.

Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative to pork bacon.

How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version or use cream of mushroom soup.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the ingredients in a large pot until the potatoes are tender.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Ensure your cream of chicken soup and chicken broth are gluten-free, and it should be safe.

Can I use pre-cooked ham?
Yes, pre-cooked ham is convenient and works perfectly.

Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, the soup will still be delicious without the bacon.

Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely, feel free to add more cheese if desired.

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon gold or red potatoes work well too.

How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?
Taste before adding salt, as the ham and bacon already contain salt.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function for the initial steps and then pressure cook for a shorter time.

How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and cream cheese substitutes.

Top 20 Secrets for Culinary Perfection

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavors.
Season as you go to build layers of flavor.
Cut the potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture.
Brown the ham slightly before adding for extra depth of flavor.
Add a splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
Stir occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom.
Garnish generously with fresh green onions for brightness.
Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Use homemade chicken broth for a richer taste.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Top with crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch.
Blend a portion of the soup for a smoother consistency.
Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
Incorporate leftover roasted chicken for added protein.
Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.
Include a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve in warmed bowls to keep the soup hot longer.