### **Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup**
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#### **Introduction:**
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you crave something rich and hearty. With tender potatoes, bacon, and a smooth, cheesy broth, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The slow cooking method ensures the flavors meld beautifully, making this soup an easy yet indulgent option for any occasion.
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#### **Origin and Cultural Significance:**
While the exact origin of Crack Potato Soup is not well-documented, it is part of the modern American tradition of “crack” dishes. These recipes are often named for their irresistibility, referring to how addictively good they taste. Crack Potato Soup, like many other crockpot dishes, became popular in the 2000s for its ease and convenience, especially in busy households looking for a meal that could be prepared ahead of time. It’s a comforting favorite in many households and often appears on dinner tables during colder months or at family gatherings.
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#### **Ingredients and Quantities:**
– 6 large russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
– 1 medium onion (diced)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 1 cup cooked bacon (crumbled, about 6-8 strips)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker soup)
– 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, for garnish)
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#### **Optional Additions:**
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (for an extra creamy texture)
– 1 cup frozen corn (for added sweetness and texture)
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor)
– Jalapeños (for added spice)
– Extra cheese (for topping)
– Chopped chives (for garnish)
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#### **Tips for Success:**
1. **Use russet potatoes** for the best texture in your soup. They break down well and create a creamy, hearty base.
2. **Avoid overcooking the potatoes** to keep them from becoming mushy. Potatoes should be tender but not falling apart.
3. **Crisp up the bacon** before adding it to the soup for extra flavor. This will help keep the bacon from getting soggy in the slow cooker.
4. **For extra creaminess**, blend part of the soup once it’s finished cooking, and then stir it back into the rest for a smooth texture with chunks of potato.
5. **Add seasonings carefully**: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, or any seasonings to suit your preference.
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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the potatoes**: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small chunks and place them in the crockpot.
2. **Add ingredients**: To the potatoes, add the diced onion, garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings (parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper). Stir to combine.
3. **Cook the soup**: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
4. **Finish the soup**: Once the potatoes are tender, add the cream cheese, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy.
5. **Optional step for thicker soup**: If you want a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to make a slurry, then add it to the soup. Stir well and cook for another 20-30 minutes until thickened.
6. **Add sour cream and bacon**: Stir in the sour cream, crumbled bacon, and adjust seasoning to taste.
7. **Serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or additional bacon and cheese if desired.
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#### **Description:**
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines the richness of melted cheese, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the earthiness of tender potatoes. The slow-cooked nature of the soup ensures that the flavors have time to meld together, creating a velvety smooth texture with just the right amount of chunkiness from the potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cold nights or when you want to feed a group with minimal effort.
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#### **Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):**
– Calories: 400–450
– Protein: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 9g
– Fiber: 4g
– Sugars: 4g
– Sodium: 800mg
– Calcium: 20% DV
– Iron: 10% DV
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
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#### **Conclusion:**
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. The combination of bacon, cheese, and potatoes is both satisfying and indulgent, while the slow-cooked nature of the recipe ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.
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#### **Recommendation:**
While Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is rich and hearty, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Consider lighter variations by using reduced-fat cheese, turkey bacon, or substituting some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb option. It’s a flexible recipe that can be adjusted to suit your preferences, so feel free to embrace the indulgence while also finding ways to lighten it up.
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#### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence:**
To make this dish more health-conscious while still retaining its deliciousness, opt for lighter versions of sour cream and cheese, or incorporate extra vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to bulk up the soup with additional nutrients. You can also reduce the amount of bacon or swap it for a leaner protein like turkey bacon. With some smart ingredient swaps, you can still enjoy the rich flavors of Crack Potato Soup without compromising your health goals.