Craving a warm and hearty meal? My Creamy Crockpot Crack Potato Soup is just what you need! Packed with tender potatoes, rich cheeses, and spices, this easy recipe combines simple ingredients into an instant classic. Perfect for busy days, this cozy soup cooks itself while you relax. Don’t miss out on the creamy goodness—let’s dive into the recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup sour cream
I love using russet potatoes for this soup. They are starchy and creamy, making the soup rich. The onion and garlic add a depth of flavor that really shines through. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar make it indulgent. The sour cream adds a nice tang and creaminess too.
Spices and Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and freshly cracked pepper
The spices are simple but effective. Garlic and onion powder boost the flavors of fresh garlic and onion. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness that takes the soup up a notch. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper for your perfect blend.
Optional Toppings
– 4 green onions, sliced thinly
– 4 strips of crispy cooked turkey bacon
Toppings can make your soup even better. Green onions add a fresh crunch. Turkey bacon gives a nice salty bite. You can mix and match toppings to suit your taste and impress your guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Prepare the crockpot with cooking spray or liner.
– Dice 6 medium russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
– Chop 1 large onion finely.
– Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
Start by getting your crockpot ready. A quick spray with cooking oil or a liner makes cleanup easy. Then, focus on the veggies. Dice your potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This sets a great base for the soup.
Cooking the Soup
– Combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the crockpot.
– Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth).
– Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Stir gently to mix everything.
Now, combine all your prepared ingredients in the crockpot. Make sure the potatoes, onion, and garlic are well mixed. Pour in the broth, covering the veggies fully. Sprinkle in your spices, then stir gently. This will help all the flavors blend nicely. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done.
Finishing Touches
– Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork for the desired consistency.
– Incorporate 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
– Add 1/2 cup of sour cream and mix until smooth.
– Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
– If too thick, stir in more broth or water.
When the cooking time is up, it’s time to finish the soup. Use a masher to mash some of the potatoes. This gives the soup a creamy texture while keeping some chunks. Next, fold in the cream cheese and cheddar until they melt. Add the sour cream, mixing until everything is smooth. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or water. Let it warm for another 10 to 15 minutes. Now, you are ready to serve this creamy delight!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To get a creamy mouthfeel, mash the cooked potatoes well. I like to leave some chunks intact. This gives the soup a nice texture. If the soup feels too thick, you can add broth or water. Just stir a little in at a time until you reach the perfect consistency.
Enhancing Flavor
To boost the flavor, try adding spices like thyme or basil. You can even mix in a dash of cayenne for some heat. If you want a different taste, swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt. For cheddar, consider using gouda or mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or garlic rolls. They are perfect for dipping. For a nice touch, garnish your soup with extra green onions and some crumbled turkey bacon. A sprinkle of cheese on top looks nice too. Serve in warm bowls for a cozy meal.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
You can make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just skip the bacon too. You still get a rich and creamy taste without the meat.
Extra Flavor Profiles
To add more flavor, think about mixing in other veggies. Carrots and celery work great! They add nice texture and taste. You can also try different types of cheese. Gouda or Monterey Jack can give a new twist to the classic cheddar.
Spicy Twist
If you like heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more! The spice will make the soup exciting and keep you warm on cold days.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Pour the soup into an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. Seal it well to keep out air. Place the container in the fridge. Your soup will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just pull it out.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some room at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. The soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
To reheat the soup, you have a few good choices. You can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, heat it on low. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If using the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps to keep the texture nice and creamy. Avoid boiling the soup, as this can change its taste. Enjoy it warm, just like the first time!
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge. After cooking, let the soup cool down. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about three days.
When you are ready to enjoy it, reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to mix the flavors. You might want to add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you need a swap for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt. It gives a nice tang and creamy texture. Another option is cottage cheese, which is lighter but still blends well.
You can also use sour cream for a similar flavor. Each option may slightly change the taste but will keep the soup creamy.
How do I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash more potatoes. This adds creaminess without changing the flavor. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend some of the soup using an immersion blender.
You can also stir in a cornstarch slurry. Just mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the soup and stir well. Cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
Can this soup be made gluten-free?
Yes, this soup can easily be made gluten-free. Use gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth. Always check the labels to ensure no gluten is present.
You can also swap out any ingredients that may have gluten. For example, make sure your cream cheese is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy soup!
This blog post covered how to make a tasty potato soup. You learned about the main ingredients, spices, and optional toppings that elevate the dish. We shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and included helpful tips for the best texture and flavor. You can explore variations to fit your taste and find ways to properly store leftovers.
Try this recipe, and enjoy a warm bowl of comforting soup that you made!
