Cozy Hearty Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Cozy evenings call for a warm bowl of creamy crack potato soup that promises pure comfort and satisfaction.

Cold nights melt away with this irresistible recipe that blends rich, cheesy goodness into every spoonful.

Potatoes absorb incredible flavors while slow-cooking in a delightful broth that makes taste buds dance with joy.

Bacon adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the velvety texture of this hearty soup.

Each ingredient works magic to create a soul-warming dish that feels like a warm hug.

Simplicity meets deliciousness in this crowd-pleasing recipe that feeds hungry bellies and warms cold hearts.

Prepare to fall in love with the most comforting soup you’ll ever taste.

Crock Pot Gear for This Potato Soup

• Crock Pot: Essential slow cooker for effortless, hands-off cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Precise ingredient portioning for perfect soup consistency.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and combining soup base.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions and bacon.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise ingredient preparation.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving soup into individual bowls.

Cooking Instructions for Loaded Crack Soup

• Create Flavor Foundation

Mix frozen hash brown potatoes, chicken broth, cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning directly in the crock pot. Blend ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

• Slow Cook and Develop Texture

Cover and let the soup simmer on LOW setting for 6-7 hours or HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. Wait until potatoes become perfectly tender and soft.

• Enhance with Cheesy Goodness

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Let the mixture continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and creates a rich, creamy consistency.

• Final Touch and Presentation

Scoop the steaming soup into serving bowls. Top with additional cheddar cheese, extra crispy bacon bits, and sprinkle fresh green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Toppings and Add-Ins to Make It Even Better

• Creamy potato soup can be tricky, but these tips will make your dish shine!
• For ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend some potatoes, creating a luxurious creamy consistency without losing potato chunks.
• Crisp bacon separately to maintain crunchiness, adding it just before serving to prevent soggy pieces and preserve that delightful crackle.
• Swap cream cheese and condensed soup with cashew cream and vegetable broth for a lactose-free version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving room for expansion, and reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture.

Serve Soup Hot with Bread or Crackers

• Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop.
• Cozy Comfort Pairing: Create a complete meal by adding a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich, creamy texture.
• Game Night Favorite: Offer small bread bowls or corn chips on the side for a fun, interactive dining experience that lets everyone customize their soup.
• Leftovers Lunch Solution: Pack individual portions in thermal containers for a satisfying work or school lunch that stays warm and delicious.

Store Soup in the Fridge for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup refrigerated for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency.
• Warm soup in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle. Alternatively, use stovetop on low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to prevent scorching and restore original creaminess.
• Double the recipe and portion into individual servings. Label containers with date and contents. These ready-to-go meals simplify weeknight dinners and provide quick, delicious comfort food when time is tight.

FAQs

• Why is it called Crack Potato Soup?

The name comes from its addictively delicious flavor that makes people want to keep eating it, similar to how crack is highly addictive.

• Can I make this soup without a crock pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking by simmering ingredients in a large pot on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals ahead of time.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Consider using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium chicken broth, and turkey bacon as lighter alternatives while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 7

Crack Potato Soup Ingredient Set

• Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes: Provides the hearty potato foundation, choose a bag with uniform, diced pieces for consistent texture.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base, opt for low-sodium versions to control saltiness.
• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess and tangy depth, let it soften at room temperature for easier blending.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Enhances thickness and brings subtle chicken flavor, select a quality brand for best results.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Introduces zesty herbal notes, look for packets without excessive additives.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, melty goodness, select a sharp variety for more intense flavor.
• Bacon: Provides smoky, crispy crunch, choose thick-cut bacon for robust texture.
• Green Onions: Offers fresh, mild onion brightness, select bright green, firm stalks for maximum flavor.

• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers superior taste.
• Salt: Balances and heightens overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.

Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky smoked tomato basil soup blends robust Mediterranean flavors with smoky undertones, creating a luxurious comfort classic. Deep roasted tomatoes and fragrant basil harmonize in this elegant dish perfect for warming hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Primary Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ripe Roma or vine tomatoes, halved
• 1 small white onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the smoker by adjusting the temperature to a gentle 225F, selecting fragrant wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry to infuse a delicate smokiness into the dish.
2. Gently coat halved tomatoes, onion, and garlic with a vibrant blend of olive oil, seasoning them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes to enhance their natural flavors.
3. Arrange the prepared vegetables strategically on smoker grates or a foil-lined baking sheet, ensuring cut sides face upward for optimal smoke absorption and caramelization.
4. Allow the vegetables to transform in the smoker for approximately 112 to 2 hours, watching for a tender texture and subtle charring that will develop deep, complex flavors.
5. Transfer the smoked vegetables into a blender, introducing fresh basil leaves to create a silky, aromatic puree that captures the essence of the smoky roasting process.
6. Pour the velvety mixture into a large pot, introducing vegetable broth and dried oregano to build a rich, layered taste profile.
7. Incorporate butter to add luxurious depth and smoothness, gently simmering the soup for 10-15 minutes to marry the intricate flavors and create a harmonious, comforting dish.

Notes

• Experiment with different wood chips to customize the smoky flavor profile, ranging from mild fruitwoods to bold hickory for unique taste variations.
• Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor in the final soup.
• Consider roasting alternative vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant alongside tomatoes to create additional complexity and smoky undertones.
• For a dairy-free or vegan version, replace butter with olive oil or coconut cream to maintain richness without compromising the soup’s creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg