Crockpot Potato Soup is a simple and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 carton (32 ounces) of chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 bag (about 30 ounces) of frozen cubed hashbrowns
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
- In your slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir well to ensure the soup and seasoning are evenly mixed.
2. Add Cream Cheese:
- Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add it to the slow cooker. This will give the soup a creamy and rich texture.
3. Add Frozen Hashbrowns:
- Add the entire bag of frozen cubed hashbrowns to the slow cooker. These will cook and become tender as the soup simmers.
4. Cook in the Crockpot:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for approximately 6 hours. The hashbrowns should be fully cooked, and the flavors will meld together.
5. Add Cheddar Cheese:
- About 15-20 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
6. Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted, your Crockpot Potato Soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with additional cheese, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy Crockpot Potato Soup. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal, especially during colder weather.
Here are some more tips and variations for your Crockpot Potato Soup:
7. Garnish Options:
- Enhance the flavor and presentation by garnishing your soup with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
8. Spice It Up:
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your soup.
9. Additional Vegetables:
- Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or onions for more texture and nutrition.
10. Use Homemade Ranch Seasoning:
- Make your own ranch seasoning mix at home by combining dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasoning blend to suit your taste.
11. Half and Half:
- For an even creamier soup, substitute half of the chicken broth with half and half or heavy cream.
12. Bacon Lovers:
- To emphasize the bacon flavor, consider adding crumbled bacon directly into the soup or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.
13. Broccoli Cheddar Variation:
- For a Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup, add chopped broccoli florets to the slow cooker, and stir in extra cheddar cheese before serving.
14. Potato Texture:
- If you prefer chunkier soup, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher, or use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. This will create a thicker texture.
15. Custom Cheese:
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack, to create unique flavors.
16. Dietary Modifications:
- Adjust the recipe to meet dietary needs, such as using low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cream cheese, or a dairy-free cheese alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
17. Leftovers:
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for a convenient meal the next day. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth when reheating to reach your preferred consistency.
18. Freezing:
- You can freeze this soup in an airtight container for longer-term storage. Just be aware that dairy-based soups may separate slightly upon thawing, but they can be stirred back together.
These suggestions should help you create a Crockpot Potato Soup that suits your taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy this comforting and creamy soup!
