Description
This easy, cheesy potato soup is a comforting, hands-off dinner made in the slow cooker. Loaded with bacon, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and creamy potatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy families and cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 32 oz frozen hash brown potatoes (diced or shredded)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Place frozen hash brown potatoes into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over the potatoes and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the top. Stir gently.
- Stir in cooked and crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until melted and smooth.
- Stir in sour cream once cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If soup is too thick, add more broth or milk.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon, extra cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for best texture. Add cheese gradually for extra creaminess. For vegetarian, omit bacon and use vegetable broth. For gluten-free, check ranch seasoning packet. If soup is too thick, add more broth or milk; if too thin, remove lid for last 30 minutes to reduce. Soup can be made on stovetop if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (about 350 ml)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 910
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 11
Keywords: crack potato soup, crock pot soup, cheesy potato soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, bacon soup, ranch potato soup, easy dinner, family meal