Fall in Love with our Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

When it comes to crafting a delightful soup, the right ingredients can make all the difference. In this section, I'll walk you through the essential components you need to gather for a scrumptious potato bacon soup that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Potatoes and Bacon

First off, let’s talk about the star players: potatoes and bacon. These ingredients not only form the foundation of the soup but also add heartiness and rich flavor.

• Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet. Their creaminess helps achieve that velvety texture we all crave in potato soup.
• Bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon for a deeper, smokier flavor. Trust me, the aroma while it cooks is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made this soup; the scent of bacon filled my kitchen, teasing my family and making their mouths water even before dinner was served.

Cheese and Spices

Next up, we have cheese and spices, which elevate our potato bacon soup to another level.

• Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and cream cheese adds creaminess and tang. Shredded cheese will melt beautifully, making each spoonful a cozy delight.
• Spices: Basic spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder are essential, but don’t shy away from adding a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs like chives. These will enhance the flavor profile and give your dish a touch of sophistication.

By gathering these quality ingredients, you're well on your way to creating a delicious potato bacon soup that’ll not only warm your belly but also your heart. Let’s dive into the cooking process in the next section!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the cooking process. Trust me, the journey to a hearty potato bacon soup is just as enjoyable as the final bowl!

Preparing the Potatoes

The first step is preparing our star ingredient: the potatoes. This is where the magic starts!

1. Wash the Potatoes: Start by scrubbing the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. You want them clean and ready to shine.
2. Peel and Chop: After washing, peel the potatoes to remove the skins (unless you prefer some texture). Then, chop them into uniform cubes, about 1 inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly.
3. Soak (Optional): I often soak the chopped potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which gives the final soup a smoother consistency.

Cooking the Soup in the Crock Pot

Now, let’s transform those potatoes into an unforgettable soup! Using a crock pot makes this process a breeze, allowing for a hands-off approach.

1. Layer Your Ingredients: In the crock pot, start by layering the chopped potatoes on the bottom. Sprinkle in the cooked bacon bits for that smoky flavor.
2. Add Liquids: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth until the potatoes are just submerged. This is the base of your soup, so choose a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
3. Season It Up: Add your spices—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and whatever herbs you fancy. Mix gently to combine.
4. Cook: Set your crock pot to low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours. As the magic happens, the aroma will fill your home, and you might find yourself daydreaming about that first bowl.

As the soup cooks, take a moment to relax and enjoy the fading sunlight as the day transitions to night; soon, you’ll be rewarded with a delightful meal that’s worth the wait!