Description
Here’s a creamy and hearty Loaded Potato Soup recipe that’s perfect for a cozy meal. It’s made effortlessly in the crock pot, with all the comforting flavors of cheese, bacon, and a hint of ranch seasoning. Enjoy this easy-to-make dish, with optional toppings for added flair!
Ingredients
- 6 cups of diced potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
2️⃣ 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 bacon on top.
3️⃣ Add the Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid just covers them.
4️⃣ 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.
5️⃣ 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.
6️⃣ Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired. Enjoy while warm!
Notes
- Texture Preference: For a chunkier soup, leave the potatoes as they are after cooking. For a creamier consistency, blend some or all of the soup.
- Make It Lighter: Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for a richer taste.