Hey y’all, if you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and comforting meal, this Crock-Pot Baked Potato Soup is the way to go! It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something warm and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how you can whip up this tasty dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 two-pound bag of frozen hash brown cubes
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or more if you love cheese!)
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 2 packets of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 nine-ounce bag of bacon bits (reserve some for garnish)
- 3-4 green onions, chopped
- 1 container (32 ounces) of reduced sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Hash Browns:
- Grab a two-pound bag of frozen hash brown cubes. These will form the hearty base of your soup.
- Cream of Chicken Soup:
- Open a can of cream of chicken soup. Shake it up a bit to make it easier to pour. This will add a rich, creamy flavor to your soup.
- Cheddar Cheese:
- Measure out about a cup of sharp cheddar cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add a little extra. Cheese makes everything better!
- Cream Cheese:
- You’ll need 8 ounces of cream cheese. It’s easier to mix if you let it sit out for a bit to soften.
- Ranch Seasoning:
- Add two packets of ranch seasoning mix. This will give your soup a nice, tangy flavor.
- Bacon Bits:
- Use a nine-ounce bag of bacon bits. Reserve a little for garnish later. Bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor.
- Green Onions:
- Chop up 3-4 green onions. These will be used as a fresh, crunchy garnish.
- Chicken Broth:
- Pour in a container (32 ounces) of reduced sodium chicken broth. This will be the liquid base for your soup.
Cooking the Soup:
- Layer Ingredients:
- In your Crock-Pot, start by adding the frozen hash brown cubes.
- Pour in the can of cream of chicken soup.
- Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the softened cream cheese (try to break it up a bit as you add it).
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packets over everything.
- Add most of the bacon bits, reserving a little for garnish.
- Top with the chopped green onions.
- Finally, pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients.
- Mix and Cook:
- Give everything a gentle stir to start mixing the ingredients together. The cream cheese will melt as it cooks and blend into the soup.
- Cover the Crock-Pot with the lid and cook on high for about 4 hours. This slow cooking will allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Midway Check:
- After about 3 hours, give the soup a good stir to make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender at this point to puree it. If you like it chunky, just leave it as is.
Finishing Touches:
- Garnish:
- Once the soup is done, ladle it into bowls and garnish with the reserved bacon bits and extra chopped green onions. This adds a nice finishing touch and extra flavor.
- Serving:
- Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy, and creamy goodness. It’s perfect for a cold day or when you need a little comfort food.
Tips and Variations:
- From Scratch: If you prefer, you can use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns. Just peel and dice them before adding to the Crock-Pot.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced ham, corn, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon bits. You can add in some extra veggies like carrots and celery for added flavor.
FAQ Section:
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
- Yes, you can. Peel and dice about 2 pounds of fresh potatoes and add them to the Crock-Pot.
How do I make the soup smoother?
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
- You can use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lighten up the soup a bit.
What can I serve with this soup?
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
This easy Crock-Pot Baked Potato Soup is a hit every time I make it. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for those busy days when you need a comforting meal. Enjoy!
