Loaded Ranch Baked Potato Soup
This Loaded Ranch Baked Potato Soup is one of my favorite easy crockpot dinners because you can let it cook on low all day while you’re at work and the kids are at school.
This Loaded Ranch Baked Potato Soup is a lifesaver on busy school nights! I'm all about those 'set-it-and-forget-it' dinners that cook themselves while I'm tackling things like school pickups, house work, and everything in between. This recipe fits the bill perfectly, cooking low and slow all day to create a super comforting meal.
My kids absolutely devour this soup, especially my 5-year-old who literally calls it 'the best soup ever' – and you know how picky little ones can be! It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with all those delicious baked potato flavors we love.
Serving it up with some grilled cheese makes it a complete, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner that always gets rave reviews around our table. Trust me, this one is going to become a new family favorite!
Instructions
Add potatoes, onion, broth, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper to a crockpot. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours, until potatoes are tender.
Lightly mash the potatoes in the crockpot to thicken the soup to your desired consistency.
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar cheese, and chives. Let it warm through for about 15-20 minutes.
Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream (if desired), crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, and more fresh chives before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- For an extra creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the potatoes before adding the cream, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Cook your bacon ahead of time or use pre-cooked bacon bits to save on prep when you're ready to serve.
- Adjust the amount of mashing in Step 2 to control the thickness of your soup; mash more for a thicker, heartier soup.
- For an even richer flavor, use whole milk instead of half-and-half, but be mindful not to boil the soup once dairy is added.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, ranch) before serving, as flavors can mellow during slow cooking.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add some cooked, shredded chicken during the last hour for a heartier chicken bacon ranch potato soup.
- Swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or a Colby Jack blend for a milder, creamier cheese flavor.
- Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce stirred in with the ranch seasoning.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon (or use vegetarian bacon bits).
- Stir in some steamed corn or diced bell peppers with the cream for added veggies and a pop of color.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Loaded Ranch Baked Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This soup generally doesn't freeze well due to the potatoes and dairy, as it can become grainy upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if it's too thick. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While baking potatoes (like Russets) are ideal for their starchiness which helps thicken the soup, you can use Yukon Golds for a slightly waxier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don't break down as well.
How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, mash more of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot. To thin, add a little extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Due to the potatoes and dairy, this soup tends to separate and become grainy or watery when frozen and thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep and chop all your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, just dump everything into the crockpot in the morning for an even quicker start.
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