Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Ingredients**:
Start by peeling and dicing the **russet potatoes** into bite-sized pieces. Dice the **onion**, and mince the **garlic**. Cook and crumble the **bacon**. Set all of these aside.

2. **Add to Crock Pot**:
Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the Crock Pot. Pour in the **chicken broth**, ensuring the potatoes and vegetables are covered. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **dried thyme** (if using), then stir everything to combine.

3. **Cook the Soup**:
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on **low** for **7-8 hours** or on **high** for **4-5 hours**. The potatoes should be tender when done. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork.

4. **Add the Creamy Ingredients**:
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This helps thicken the soup and adds a nice texture. Then, stir in the softened **cream cheese**, **cheddar cheese**, and **sour cream**. Stir until the soup becomes creamy and the cheese melts completely into the broth.

5. **Finish with Bacon**:
Add the **crumbled bacon** to the soup, stirring it in to combine. You’ll get those salty, crispy bites of bacon in every spoonful, which takes this soup to the next level.

6. **Serve and Garnish**:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with **chopped green onions**, additional **cheddar cheese**, and extra bacon, if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

### Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

– **Use Russet Potatoes**: Russet potatoes are perfect for this soup because they break down and become creamy as they cook. This creates that rich, velvety texture that makes the soup so comforting.
– **Add More Flavor**: Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding a dash of **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, or **smoked paprika** for an extra kick.
– **Make It Even Creamier**: If you love ultra-creamy soups, you can add more **cream cheese** or **heavy cream** to your soup, depending on how rich you want it to be.
– **Adjust the Bacon**: If you’re a bacon lover, feel free to add more bacon or even save some to sprinkle on top just before serving for that extra crispy crunch.
– **Freezing and Leftovers**: Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup can be frozen for later! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of broth to thin it out as it will thicken in the freezer.

### Why This Soup is a Must-Try

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The **slow cooking process** allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a soup that’s as rich as it is satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and is versatile enough to be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit.

So, next time you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s sure to please, make sure to add **Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup** to your menu. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite in so many households. Enjoy!