Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

#### **Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Potatoes:**
Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. You don’t need to worry about perfect cuts—just make sure the pieces are even so they cook at the same rate.

**2. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot:**
Place the diced potatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth into your Crock Pot. Stir in the parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.

**3. Creamy Texture:**
Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to thicken the soup. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, but leaving some chunks is part of the charm!

**4. Add the Creamy Ingredients:**
Stir in the cubed cream cheese and sour cream. Allow them to melt into the soup, stirring occasionally to combine until the soup reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

**5. Add Cheese and Bacon:**
Once your soup is creamy and well-mixed, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup. Then, add in the crumbled bacon, saving a little for garnish if desired.

**6. Final Touches:**
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences. Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, serve the soup hot.

**7. Garnish and Serve:**
Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions for a fresh and flavorful finish.

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### **Tips for the Best Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup**

– **Use Russet Potatoes:**
Russet potatoes work best for this soup because they break down nicely and give the soup a creamy texture. You can substitute other varieties of potatoes, but russets are ideal for a rich, smooth soup.

– **Don’t Skip the Bacon:**
Bacon is one of the key ingredients that give this soup its “crack” factor! The crispy, salty bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes and cheese. Make sure to cook your bacon until crispy so it adds that satisfying crunch.

– **Customize Your Cheese:**
While cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for this soup, you can mix it up with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little heat. You can also add a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess if you like.

– **Top with Fresh Garnishes:**
Garnishing your soup with fresh green onions, extra shredded cheese, or even a drizzle of sour cream makes each bowl even more irresistible.

– **Make It Spicy:**
If you love a little heat, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also top it with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

– **Leftovers:**
This soup reheats wonderfully and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and you’ll have an easy and satisfying meal ready to go.

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### **Conclusion**

**Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup** is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory bacon flavor that will keep you coming back for more. With minimal prep time and the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can have a delicious, hearty soup ready with ease. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Next time you need a warm, filling meal that everyone will love, make this addictive, cheesy soup—you won’t regret it!