Name: Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced potatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix; ½ teaspoon pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup half and half; 1¼ cups cooked bacon, chopped and divided; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for serving; Green onion, chopped for garnish; Additional ¼ cup bacon pieces (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 120 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl of goodness that practically makes itself, then this Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this soup turns out—rich, creamy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor—plus, it’s totally hands-off thanks to the slow cooker. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a fast favorite for chilly evenings or casual gatherings with friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Everything cooks low and slow in the crock pot, freeing up your time and kitchen.
Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon—what’s not to love?
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients and toppings to suit your cravings or dietary needs.
Great for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe makes enough to share and warms up beautifully for leftovers.

Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe uses simple ingredients that you’ll likely have on hand or can find easily at the store. The combination of frozen potatoes and cream cheese gives the soup that perfect silky texture, while the ranch dressing mix adds a subtle punch of flavor without any hassle.

Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe - Ingredients

Cooked bacon: Using pre-cooked bacon saves time and adds that salty crunch which makes the soup irresistible.
Frozen diced potatoes: Perfect for Crock Pot recipes since they hold their shape and cook evenly without extra prep.
Chicken broth: The base of the soup that ties all the flavors together; homemade or store-bought both work.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds richness and depth, creating a creamy foundation.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melts into the soup, making it luxuriously smooth.
Dry ranch dressing mix: Here’s the magic flavor booster—so easy to use and packed with herbs and spices.
Pepper & onion powder: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste without overpowering.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and meltiness, stirred in at the end for that perfect cheesy finish.
Half and half: Lightens up the soup a bit while keeping it creamy and rich.
Green onion: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion kick.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want it heartier, lighter, or just a different twist, there’s room for creativity here.

Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the bacon—or use smoky tempeh bits for that bacon flavor.
Add extra veggies: Throw in some corn kernels, diced celery, or carrots for a colorful crunch and added nutrition.
Spicy kick: I sometimes toss in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.

How to Make Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients into the Crock Pot

Start by adding the frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese cubes, dry ranch dressing mix, pepper, onion powder, and about one cup of the cooked chopped bacon into your 6-quart slow cooker. This is the perfect time to give everything a good stir so the seasonings start mingling early. I find using frozen potatoes really cuts down prep time and still delivers a great texture.

Step 2: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover your Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or if you’re short on time, crank it to HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking melts the cream cheese and lets all the flavors develop — patience here is key to that soul-warming taste you’ll adore.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Half & Half, Then Warm Through

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, give the soup a good stir to fully incorporate the softened cream cheese. Then pour in the half and half along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Cover again and let it warm until the cheese melts, creating that irresistible cheesy finish that my family goes crazy for.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the soup into bowls and top with chopped green onion, extra shredded cheddar, and the remaining bacon bits. These garnishes really bring a fresh pop of flavor and texture that sets this soup apart.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe

Don’t Skip Softening the Cream Cheese: I learned this the hard way—trying to mix cold cream cheese straight in makes lumps. Let it soften at room temp for smooth melting.
Use Frozen Potatoes for Convenience: Fresh potatoes can be tricky in the slow cooker—they might turn mushy or uneven. Frozen dices are perfectly consistent every time.
Reserve Some Bacon for Garnish: Adding crispy bacon last keeps that crunch you want instead of it getting soggy while cooking.
Stirjust Before Melting Cheese: Mixing cheese and half and half at the end keeps your soup creamy without curdling or separating.

How to Serve Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe

Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top this soup with chopped green onions for brightness, extra shredded cheddar cheese for that melty goodness, and reserved crispy bacon pieces that bring the perfect crunch. If you want a touch of zest, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of paprika adds a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or garlic toast to soak up every last drop. For something lighter, a crisp green salad balances the richness nicely. My family especially loves serving it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple coleslaw for some texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I sometimes serve this soup in sourdough bread bowls — it’s a fun touch that elevates the presentation without extra effort. Another idea is to set up a toppings bar with extra cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and even a few spicy sauces so friends can customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors deepen over time, making reheated servings just as comforting as fresh.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this soup in individual portions. Just be aware that the texture of potatoes can soften slightly, but with the creamy base, it still tastes fantastic. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help the cheese meld back in smoothly. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe without cream cheese?

While cream cheese adds luscious creaminess and tang, you can skip it if you want—a bit of extra half and half or sour cream can help maintain a creamy texture. Just keep in mind the soup won’t be quite as thick or rich.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

You can, but fresh potatoes may break down more in the slow cooker and cause the soup to be a bit mushier. If you do use fresh, choose waxy potatoes and cut them into uniform cubes to help them hold their shape better.
Is the dry ranch dressing mix necessary?

The ranch mix adds great seasoning with minimal effort—it’s what gives the soup that signature flavor. However, if you don’t have it, you can substitute with your own blend of dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
How thick will the soup be?

This Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe has a creamy, hearty consistency—not too thick, but not runny either. If you prefer it thicker, you can add a bit more cheese or reduce the chicken broth slightly next time.

Final Thoughts

When I first made this Crock Pot Potato Bacon Soup Recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to toss everything together and then forget about it until dinner. It feels like a special occasion meal, but requires zero stress. Whether you’re feeding family or looking for a comforting meal to cozy up with, this soup really hits the spot. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—nothing beats coming home to a warm pot full of creamy, cheesy potato bacon goodness!