Equipment Needed
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker (Crock Pot)
- Potato peeler (if peeling)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender or standard blender (optional, for texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
My process starts with the glorious simplicity of the dump. I peel my potatoes (though leaving the skin on Yukon Golds is fine for more texture) and dice them into roughly ½-inch cubes. Consistency in size is key here so they cook evenly. I toss them into the slow cooker along with the finely diced onion. Then, I pour in the four cups of chicken broth—it should just about cover the potatoes. I give it one gentle stir, pop the lid on, and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. Walking away from this simple start is an act of faith that always pays off.
When I come back hours later, the kitchen smells incredible—like a savory, buttery promise. The potatoes should be so tender they offer no resistance when pierced with a fork. This is the transformative moment. I take my immersion blender and carefully blend about half of the soup right in the pot. I’ve tried blending it all, and I’ve tried blending none of it. Blending half is the perfect compromise: it creates a luxuriously thick and creamy base while leaving plenty of soft potato chunks for that hearty, rustic feel. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully ladle about half the soup into a standard blender, blend until smooth, and stir it back in.
Now, for the ingredients that take it from “potato soup” to “CRACK potato soup.” I cut the softened block of cream cheese into smaller chunks and add them to the hot soup. I let it sit for a minute to warm through, then I whisk vigorously until every last bit is melted and incorporated into the silky base. This is when I stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. I let it all cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, uncovered, to heat through and let the flavors marry. This is also when I taste and add salt, as the bacon and cheese will add more later.(See the next page below to continue…)