As the weather cools down, nothing beats the warmth of a homemade soup simmering away in your crock pot. One of the best ways to embrace those chilly days is with a bowl of Creamy Crock Pot Cheddar Potato Soup. This recipe not only combines the hearty flavor of potatoes with the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal meal for busy days or leisurely weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy potato soup is packed with flavor and texture, delivering a creamy, savory experience in every spoonful. The combination of diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crumbled turkey bacon ensures that each bite is filled with satisfying goodness. Plus, using a crock pot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully over time, with minimal effort on your part.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups diced potatoes: Peeled for smoothness and consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that irresistible cheesy base.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon: Adds a touch of savory crunch.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Elevates the flavor with a blend of herbs and spices.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Provides the liquid foundation for the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Adds richness; opt for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance and balance the flavors.
- Optional garnishes: Extra cheese, turkey bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into even-sized cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly and are perfectly tender by the end.
- Layer the Ingredients: In your crock pot, place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the potatoes, then layer on the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled turkey bacon.
- Add the Broth: Pour the broth of your choice (chicken or vegetable) over the layered ingredients. Make sure the liquid covers everything to avoid dry spots during cooking.
- Cook the Soup: Set the crock pot to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the potatoes to soften and absorb all the rich flavors.
- Finish with Cream: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to give the soup its creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, turkey bacon bits, green onions, or chives for a final burst of flavor and texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something comforting on a cold night, this creamy cheddar potato soup is the perfect solution. It’s not only hearty and filling but also incredibly versatile with optional garnishes that can be customized to suit your taste.
Quick Tips:
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the turkey bacon and using vegetable broth.
- Thicken the soup by mashing a portion of the potatoes or using an immersion blender to blend the entire batch.
- Add extra veggies like carrots or celery for added texture and nutrition.
A Bowl of Comfort
There’s something deeply satisfying about making a meal that requires little effort but results in such big, bold flavors. This Creamy Crock Pot Cheddar Potato Soup is exactly that—comfort in a bowl, packed with cheesy goodness, tender potatoes, and savory bacon. It’s the perfect companion to a chilly day or a cozy night at home.
So grab your crock pot, let the ingredients do their magic, and savor the comforting warmth of this delicious cheddar potato soup.
PrintCreamy Crock Pot Cheddar Potato Soup
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8
Description
Enjoy a cozy and comforting bowl of creamy potato soup made effortlessly in your crock pot. This cheesy delight is perfect for chilly days and warms your soul with every bite.
Ingredients
– 6 cups diced potatoes, peeled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
– 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional garnishes: extra cheese, turkey bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In the crock pot, place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled turkey bacon on top.
3. Add the Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid just covers them.
4. Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
5. Add Cream and Season: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, turkey bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes