Ingredients:
- 6 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, minced (or use dried minced onion)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 4-6 cups chicken broth (I used 4 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 1/2 packs diced ham
Directions:
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes, minced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.
- Cook Potatoes:
- Pour in 4-6 cups of chicken broth (adjust based on your preference) to cover the potatoes. Cook on high for 3 1/2 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add Ham and Bacon:
- About 20 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add the diced ham and crumbled bacon to the crockpot. Stir to incorporate.
- Prepare Milk and Flour Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 1 cup of milk until smooth.
- Thicken the Soup:
- Stir the flour and milk mixture into the potatoes. Add 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream. Stir well, cover, and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Add the cubes of Velveeta cheese to the crockpot. Allow the cheese to melt into the soup, creating a creamy and cheesy texture.
- Serve:
- Once the cheese is fully melted, give the soup a final stir. Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish:
- Garnish each serving with additional crumbled bacon for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Cheesy Crockpot Potato Soup hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of creamy potatoes, cheesy goodness, and savory ham and bacon.
This indulgent and hearty soup is perfect for cozy evenings and will surely become a family favorite. Feel free to customize the toppings or add a sprinkle of fresh chives for an extra burst of freshness.
Here are some helpful tips to make your Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham and Bacon even more delightful:
- Bacon Flavor Enhancement:
- Save some bacon drippings to enhance the soup’s smoky flavor. Add a spoonful during the cooking process for an extra depth of taste.
- Layered Seasoning:
- Season each layer as you go. Add a pinch of salt and pepper when layering potatoes, ham, and bacon to ensure the soup is well-seasoned throughout.
- Fresh Herbs:
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a fragrant and herbaceous touch.
- Crispy Bacon Garnish:
- For an extra crunch, reserve some bacon bits to add as a crispy garnish just before serving. This adds texture and a burst of bacon flavor.
- Cheese Varieties:
- Experiment with different cheese varieties or a blend. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda can complement the Velveeta for a richer and more complex flavor.
- Add Vegetables:
- Boost the nutritional content by adding vegetables like carrots or celery. Include them during the cooking process for a well-rounded soup.
- Custom Toppings Bar:
- Set up a toppings bar with options like chopped green onions, sour cream, or shredded cheddar cheese. Allow each person to customize their bowl for a personalized touch.
- Garlic Infusion:
- Infuse the soup with garlic flavor by adding minced garlic to the onion and potato mixture during the initial cooking stage.
- Cayenne Pepper Kick:
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick to the soup.
- Homemade Croutons:
- Serve the soup with homemade croutons for added texture. Simply cube some bread, toss with olive oil and herbs, and toast until golden brown.
- Half-and-Half Substitute:
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half with whole milk. It will still provide creaminess without the extra richness.
- Stirring Technique:
- Stir the soup gently to preserve the potato chunks. Over-stirring can break down the potatoes and affect the soup’s texture.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Fresh Squeeze of Lemon:
- Just before serving, a fresh squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright and citrusy note that balances the richness of the soup.
Remember to taste as you go and adjust seasonings according to your preference. Enjoy your upgraded Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham and Bacon!
Popular Questions and Answers:
Here are some potential questions and answers that might arise regarding the Easy Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham and Bacon:
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?
A: Absolutely! Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham and Bacon is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare the soup up to the point before adding the cheese. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once heated through, add the cheese and continue as directed.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While it’s possible to freeze this soup, keep in mind that dairy-based soups can sometimes change in texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the cheese. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, reheat on the stove, and then add the cheese just before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss can add unique flavors to the soup. Adjust quantities based on your cheese preferences.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from clumping in the soup?
A: To prevent the cheese from clumping, make sure to cut it into small cubes and add it gradually, stirring continuously. Also, ensure the soup is hot enough to melt the cheese smoothly. If needed, you can remove the crockpot from the heat source while adding the cheese, stirring until fully melted.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for added flavor and texture.
Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: While Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, you can experiment with other potato varieties like Russet or red potatoes. Keep in mind that different potatoes may slightly alter the soup’s consistency and flavor.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and you can always tailor the recipe to your preferences. Enjoy your Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham and Bacon!
Achieving the perfect Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham and Bacon involves a few secrets and techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your soup:
- Browning the Ingredients:
- For added depth of flavor, consider briefly sautéing the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the crockpot. This can enhance the overall richness of the soup.
- Layered Seasoning:
- Season each layer as you go. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper when layering potatoes, ham, and bacon to ensure a well-seasoned soup.
- Quality Cheese Selection:
- Choose a high-quality Velveeta cheese or experiment with a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Freshly grated cheese can melt more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.
- Velvety Texture Tip:
- To achieve a velvety texture, add the cheese gradually, stirring continuously. Allow each batch to melt fully before adding more.
- Fresh Herbs at the End:
- Add fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, just before serving for a burst of color and freshness. This complements the richness of the soup.
- Custom Toppings:
- Set up a toppings bar with options like chopped green onions, sour cream, or extra shredded cheese. Allowing each person to customize their bowl adds a personal touch.
- Cook on Low for Maximum Flavor:
- While the high setting on the crockpot is convenient, cooking on low for a longer duration (6-8 hours) can enhance the flavors and result in a more tender texture for the potatoes and ham.
- Thickening Technique:
- To avoid lumps when thickening with flour, mix the flour with a small amount of cold milk to create a smooth paste before incorporating it into the soup. This ensures even thickening.
- Homemade Chicken Broth:
- If time allows, consider using homemade chicken broth for a richer and more nuanced flavor. You can also add a splash of white wine for an extra layer of complexity.
- Citrus Brightness:
- Add a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Crispy Bacon Reserve:
- Reserve some bacon bits to add as a crispy garnish just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the bacon flavor.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Slow Melt for Cheese:
- Turn off the crockpot before adding the cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese slowly, preventing it from becoming overly stringy.
- Smoked Paprika Magic:
- Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness that complements the bacon and ham flavors.
Experiment with these secrets, and feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences. Enjoy creating the perfect Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Ham and Bacon!
