Loaded Potato Soup
Let the comforting aroma of homemade soup embrace your home with this Easy Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup. This rich, velvety, and cheesy soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a delightful combination of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious dish that feels indulgent without compromising on ease. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this loaded potato soup is bound to become a family favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Easy Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup combines classic comfort food with modern convenience. By utilizing a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. The addition of ranch seasoning mix adds a unique twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that serves eight, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. Moreover, the richness from the heavy cream and the savory notes from the bacon create a creamy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup
1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture. These varieties break down beautifully, creating a creamy base for your soup.
2. For Extra Creaminess: If you desire an ultra-smooth consistency, consider blending a portion of the soup after cooking. This can be done with a handheld immersion blender or by transferring part of the soup to a traditional blender.
3. Customize Your Toppings: While the recipe calls for bacon, cheese, and green onions, feel free to experiment with other toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or even crispy shallots for an extra crunch.
4. Make it Ahead of Time: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great meal prep option.
5. Adjust Flavor to Your Liking: Don’t hesitate to tweak the amount of ranch seasoning and salt based on your personal preference. It’s a flexible recipe that allows for adjustments according to your taste.
Ingredients
Gather the following easy-to-find ingredients to whip up this delicious loaded potato soup:
- 6 cups diced potatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (usually around 1 oz)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: extra cheese, green onions, and bacon for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Begin by preparing the potatoes. Wash, peel, and dice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the diced potatoes into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes, making sure they are coated evenly. This seasoning will infuse the soup with delicious flavor.
Step 3: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Then, pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the top, ensuring the ingredients are submerged for even cooking.
Step 4: Set your slow cooker to low and let the soup cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The goal is to cook until the potatoes are soft and tender.
Step 5: Once the cooking time is up, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to achieve the desired creaminess. Taste the soup, then season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 6: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a traditional blender, then return the blended soup back to the slow cooker. For a chunkier style, skip this step!
Step 7: Serve hot, allowing everyone to customize their bowls with extra toppings of cheese, green onions, or bacon as desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but keep in mind that they may have a slightly different texture compared to fresh potatoes.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk, and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze loaded potato soup?
Yes, after cooking and cooling, transfer the soup to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with loaded potato soup?
This loaded potato soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, salad, or even as part of a larger spread featuring sandwiches or charcuterie boards.
Conclusion
Transform your chilly nights into cozy evenings with this Easy Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup. Offering layers of flavor with minimal effort, it’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a gathering with friends. By utilizing a slow cooker, you can let the ingredients blend harmoniously, resulting in a creamy, delicious soup that everyone will love. Don’t forget to garnish with your favorite toppings for that extra special touch. Enjoy this hearty meal, and rest easy knowing that a crowd-pleasing dish is just a sunset away!
