The name “Crack” in internet recipe culture refers to the addictive combination of Ranch seasoning, Bacon, and Cheddar cheese. This Crack Potato Soup takes those legendary flavors and infuses them into a rich, creamy potato base. It is essentially a loaded baked potato in liquid form, but with an extra zesty kick from the ranch spices that makes it impossible to stop eating.
This soup is the ultimate indulgence. It’s thick, cheesy, and smoky, perfect for football Sundays, potlucks, or nights when you need serious comfort food. It’s not “diet food,” but it is soul food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Ranch Factor
Most potato soups are seasoned with just salt and pepper. Adding a packet of dry Ranch dressing mix transforms the profile completely. You get notes of dill, parsley, onion, and garlic that cut through the heaviness of the cream and cheese, adding a savory brightness that keeps you coming back for more.
Cream Cheese Creaminess
Instead of relying solely on heavy cream or a flour roux, this recipe uses a block of cream cheese. This melts into the broth to create a velvety, tangy texture that is thicker and richer than milk alone.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (1oz) Ranch dressing mix (dry)
- 1 block (8oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Combine potatoes, broth, onion, and Ranch mix in a pot. Boil then simmer 15-20 mins.
- Mash potatoes slightly for texture.
- Whisk in softened cream cheese until melted.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, milk, and half the bacon. Heat through.
- Serve topped with remaining bacon and green onions.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are best for their starch content. Hash brown potatoes (frozen) can be used for a faster version.
Ranch Seasoning: A dry packet (Hidden Valley style) or 3 tablespoons of homemade mix.
Bacon: Cooked crispy and crumbled. It adds the smoky crunch.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts best and provides the strongest flavor.
Cream Cheese: The secret to the texture.
Chicken Broth: The savory base.
Smart Substitutions
For a “lighter” version, you can use turkey bacon and low-fat cream cheese, but the texture will be less rich. You can swap the potatoes for cauliflower for a low-carb “Keto Crack Soup.” If you don’t have Ranch packets, a mix of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder works.
If you love these addictive flavors, you have to try this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage for a skillet version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Cook the bacon until crispy, drain, and crumble.
Cooking Phase
In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, and the dry Ranch seasoning packet.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
The Creaming: Mash a few of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup slightly (or leave it chunky if you prefer).
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the bacon. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Stir in the milk (or half-and-half) to reach your desired consistency. Heat through—do not boil.
Serving Phase
Serve hot, topped with the remaining bacon bits, extra cheddar, and chopped green onions.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Room Temp Cream Cheese: Do not throw a cold block of cream cheese into the soup; it will stay in little white lumps. Soften it in the microwave or let it sit on the counter first. Whisking it with a little hot broth in a separate bowl before adding it to the main pot helps ensure a smooth melt.
Salt Caution: Ranch packets, bacon, cheese, and broth all contain salt. Do not add extra salt until the very end, and only if you taste it first!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Boiling the soup after adding the cheese. High heat can cause cheese sauce to break and become oily. Keep it on a gentle simmer once the dairy goes in.
| Ingredient | Flavor Profile | Texture Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Ranch Mix | Herbal/Zesty | None |
| Cream Cheese | Tangy | Velvety Thickener |
| Cheddar | Sharp/Salty | Gooey |
| Bacon | Smoky | Crunch |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
This soup is all about the toppings. Serve with a toppings bar including chives, sour cream, and extra cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
A simple green salad is needed to cut the richness. Soft dinner rolls are great for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Yes! Use a 30oz bag of frozen diced hash browns instead of chopping fresh potatoes. Reduce simmer time to 10 mins.
Is it spicy?
No, Ranch is herbal, not spicy.
Can I make it in a crockpot?
Yes. Cook potatoes, onions, broth, and ranch on low 6-8 hours. Stir in cheeses and milk at the end.
Conclusion
Crack Potato Soup lives up to its name. It is savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear from the pot in record time.
