Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup

There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that brings comfort on even the coldest days. When that soup is packed with creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and a tangy ranch flavor, you’ve got a recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite. Enter the Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup – a hearty, filling dish that’s simple to prepare, and best of all, made with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

This Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy bowl for yourself, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable – so feel free to make it your own with a variety of toppings and add-ins.

Who is This Recipe For? Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful soup that requires minimal effort. It’s great for busy families, home cooks who appreciate the ease of slow cooker meals, and anyone who loves creamy potato soup with a smoky twist. Plus, it’s a great meal prep option for those looking to prepare a week’s worth of meals in advance. If you’re someone who loves the flavor combination of bacon and ranch, then this Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup is definitely for you!

Why Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup Is Great

• Simple Ingredients: It uses common kitchen staples like potatoes, bacon, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese.
• Minimal Prep Time: Just chop and toss everything into the Crockpot, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
• Comforting and Filling: With its creamy texture and smoky flavor, this soup is sure to fill you up and warm you from the inside out.
• Customizable: You can add or swap ingredients to suit your taste, whether you want more veggies, a richer base, or extra crispy bacon.

What potatoes are best for this Potato Soup Recipe:

From my experience, the best potato for Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup is definitely Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a natural buttery flavor that makes the soup rich and smooth. The best part? They hold their shape really well during the long cooking time, so you won’t end up with mushy potatoes. I’ve tried other types over the years, but Yukon Golds always give the perfect texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting soup, these potatoes are the way to go!

Equipment Needed : Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup

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Before we dive into the ingredients and directions, here’s a list of the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker – The key to this recipe’s simplicity.
• Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping the potatoes and bacon.
• Large Spoon – To stir the ingredients in the Crockpot.
• Measuring Spoons – For accurate seasoning.
• Potato Peeler (optional) – If you prefer peeled potatoes.

Ingredients : Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup

For this soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 6 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 lb of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• 1 block (8 oz) of cream cheese
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1 cup of sour cream (optional, for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions : Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First, wash and dice your potatoes. You can choose to peel them or leave the skins on for added texture. Dice your onion and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once the bacon is done, crumble it into small pieces.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Crockpot

Place your diced potatoes, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning mix, and diced onion into your Crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best flavor.

Pro Tip: For more flavor, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or even vegetable broth if you’re making a vegetarian version of this soup.

Step 3: Slow Cook on Low

Cover the Crockpot and cook the soup on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and the flavors fully melded together.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese

Once the potatoes are tender, cube the cream cheese and stir it into the soup. Allow it to melt and incorporate for a rich and creamy texture. Give everything another stir to make sure it’s all blended smoothly.

Step 5: Mash or Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the Crockpot. Alternatively, an immersion blender can give the soup a silky smooth texture. However, if you like your soup a bit chunkier, you can skip this step entirely.

Step 6: Final Touches and Toppings

Once your soup is ready to serve, ladle it into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. The cheese will melt into the hot soup, adding extra richness. You can also sprinkle some extra crumbled bacon on top for an extra crunch.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup

• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Make sure the potato pieces are of uniform size to ensure they cook evenly in the Crockpot.
• Upgrade with Veggies: You can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Add More Creaminess: If you want your soup to be even creamier, you can substitute the chicken broth for half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup before cooking.

Variations and Swaps

While this Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup is delicious as-is, feel free to get creative and try these variations:

• Gluten-Free: Ensure that your ranch seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free to make the soup suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add in additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, or gouda for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream, or substitute with coconut cream for a non-dairy version.

How to Store Leftovers

This soup is great for meal prep or saving for later. Here’s how to store your leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, add a little extra broth to loosen it up if needed.

Food Pairing Suggestions

While this Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup is a meal on its own, you can serve it with some delicious side dishes:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: Classic comfort food pairings never disappoint!

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup

When making Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a creamy, flavorful dish. However, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the flavor, texture, or overall outcome of the soup. To help you make the best version of this delicious comfort food, here are some key mistakes to avoid:

1. Skipping the Sauté Step for Bacon

While it may be tempting to throw all the ingredients into the Crockpot without much prep, don’t skip the step of crisping up the bacon before adding it.

• Why avoid it? Raw bacon adds unnecessary grease to the soup, which can make the dish too oily and unappealing.
• Solution: Take a few minutes to cook the bacon until it’s crispy and crumble it before adding it to the Crockpot. This will give the soup a better texture and that delicious crispy bacon flavor you crave.

2. Overcrowding the Crockpot

It’s important to follow the recipe and ensure the ingredients are well distributed inside the Crockpot. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, especially when dealing with potatoes.

• Why avoid it? Too many potatoes or ingredients in the Crockpot at once can result in some pieces being undercooked, leading to a less-than-ideal texture.
• Solution: Stick to the recommended portion sizes, and if necessary, cook in batches. You can always make a double batch in two separate Crockpots if needed.

3. Not Cutting the Potatoes Evenly

The size and uniformity of the potato pieces play a huge role in how evenly they cook. If you cut the potatoes unevenly, some pieces might end up overcooked while others are undercooked.

• Why avoid it? Unevenly cut potatoes lead to an inconsistent texture in your soup. Some pieces might turn into mush, while others might still be too firm.
• Solution: Dice the potatoes into similarly sized cubes to ensure even cooking throughout.

FAQs for Crockpot Bacon Ranch Potato Soup

What is the best thickener for potato soup?

To thicken potato soup, you can use:

• Mashed potatoes for a natural thickening.
• Cornstarch or flour slurry to thicken quickly.
• Cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture.

These options will help give your soup the perfect consistency.

What is in Tim Hortons potato bacon soup?

Tim Hortons’ Potato Bacon Soup includes potatoes, bacon, chicken broth, cream, and seasonings like onion, garlic, and sometimes thyme, creating a rich, creamy base. For a similar flavor, you can add these ingredients to your homemade soup.

How do you keep potatoes from getting mushy in potato soup?

To keep potatoes from becoming mushy:

• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes, checking them near the end.
• Cut potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.

Is a slow cooker good for making soup?

Yes, slow cookers are perfect for making soup. They allow flavors to develop slowly and ensure the potatoes cook evenly without overcooking, making it easy to create creamy and flavorful soups.

What is the secret ingredient to thicken soup?

Cream cheese is a secret ingredient that thickens soup while adding a rich, creamy texture. Other options include heavy cream, cornstarch, or even mashed potatoes.

Why isn’t my potato soup creamy?

If your soup isn’t creamy, it may be due to:

• Not adding enough dairy like cream or cream cheese.
• Overcooking the potatoes, which can make them too mushy.
• Skipping a thickening agent like cornstarch or mashed potatoes.