Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

Introduction

Hey there, lovely readers!

Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes—the Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup. This soup is a hug in a bowl, creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is something warm to snuggle up with. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Peeled and diced potatoes

6 cups

Shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup

Cooked bacon, crumbled

1/2 cup

Ranch seasoning mix

1 packet

Chicken or vegetable broth

4 cups

Heavy cream or half-and-half

1 cup

Salt and pepper

to taste

Optional toppings

extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, chives

Prep Time

20 minutes

Temps de cuisson, Temps total, Rendement

Cook Time: 7-8 heures (low) ou 4 heures (high)

Total Time: 7-8 heures (low) ou 4 heures (high)

Yield: 6 portions

Directions

1. Start off by peeling and cutting your potatoes into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become deliciously soft.
2. Place those delightful diced potatoes right at the bottom of your trusty crock pot.
3. Now, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes. This is where the flavor magic begins, friends!
4. On top of the potatoes and seasoning, layer in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Yes, please!
5. Carefully pour the chicken or vegetable broth over everything, making sure the liquid covers all those scrumptious layers.
6. Pop the lid on your crock pot and set it to cook. You can let it simmer on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours—just until those potatoes are soft enough to be easily mashed.
7. Once it’s cooked to perfection, stir in the heavy cream. Oh boy, it gets creamier and richer with each mix!
8. Give it a taste and season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
9. If you love your soup creamier, feel free to whip out an immersion blender to blend it to your preferred consistency. The choice is yours!
10. Serve the soup hot in cozy bowls, and for that extra flair, top each bowl with more cheese, bacon bits, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives.

And there you have it! A soulful and creamy Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup that’s bound to warm you from the inside out. Enjoy it with some crusty bread, and you have a meal that’s sheer comfort food bliss!

Happy cooking, friends! Don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start off by peeling and cutting your potatoes into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become deliciously soft.

Step 2: Layer the Potatoes

Place those delightful diced potatoes right at the bottom of your trusty crock pot.

Step 3: Add Ranch Seasoning

Now, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes. This is where the flavor magic begins, friends!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon

On top of the potatoes and seasoning, layer in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Yes, please!

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

Carefully pour the chicken or vegetable broth over everything, making sure the liquid covers all those scrumptious layers.

Step 6: Set the Crock Pot

Pop the lid on your crock pot and set it to cook. You can let it simmer on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours—just until those potatoes are soft enough to be easily mashed.

Step 7: Add Heavy Cream

Once it’s cooked to perfection, stir in the heavy cream. Oh boy, it gets creamier and richer with each mix!

Step 8: Season to Taste

Give it a taste and season it with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 9: Blend if Desired

If you love your soup creamier, feel free to whip out an immersion blender to blend it to your preferred consistency. The choice is yours!

Step 10: Serve Hot

Serve the soup hot in cozy bowls, and for that extra flair, top each bowl with more cheese, bacon bits, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

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

Freezing Advice

You can freeze the soup, but keep in mind that the texture may change. Blend well before serving after freezing.

Customization Options

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.

Cook techniques

Peeling and Dicing Potatoes

Start by peeling the potatoes to remove the skin, then cut them into small, even-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook uniformly and become perfectly tender in the soup.

Layering Ingredients

When building the soup in the crock pot, layer the diced potatoes first, followed by the ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. This layering technique allows the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook.

Cooking Temperature and Time

Set your crock pot to low for 7-8 hours or high for about 4 hours. Choose a setting based on your schedule, ensuring the potatoes become soft and easy to mash.

Incorporating Heavy Cream

After the cooking time, stir in the heavy cream for added richness. This step creates a creamy texture, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Adjusting Consistency

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. This allows you to control how smooth or chunky you’d like it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot in bowls and offer optional toppings such as extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

FAQ

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes! You can make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

What can I serve with this potato soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish for chilly evenings. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it truly is a warm embrace in a bowl. Whether you enjoy it by itself or pair it with some crusty bread, this soup is sure to satisfy and bring joy to your dining experience. So gather your ingredients, set up your crock pot, and let the delicious aroma fill your home!

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Incorporate chorizo and spices like paprika for a zesty, flavorful take on the classic potato soup.

Vegan Cheesy Potato Soup

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a plant-based cheese to enjoy a dairy-free version.

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Add ginger, garlic, and miso for an unexpected but delightful fusion of flavors.

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Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter soup that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Herb-Infused Potato Soup

Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can elevate the taste and add aromatic flair to your soup.

Creamy Potato and Spinach Soup

Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.