Yes, Bear Creek soups can absolutely be made in a crockpot! In fact, using a crockpot is a great way to make these soups even more flavorful and convenient.
What is Bear Creek Soup?
Bear Creek Soup is a brand of dehydrated soup mixes and recipes produced by Bear Creek Country Kitchens. They offer a wide variety of soup flavors including chicken noodle, broccoli cheese, potato, tomato basil, chili, and more. The soup mixes come in packets or jars and include dehydrated vegetables, pasta, beans, and seasoning.
To prepare Bear Creek soup, you simply add water, milk, or broth and simmer on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. The dehydrated ingredients rehydrate and come together into a hearty and delicious soup.
Benefits of Making Bear Creek Soups in a Crockpot
Here are some of the benefits of using a crockpot to make Bear Creek soups:
- Convenience – Just add the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work. No need to watch or stir a pot on the stove.
- Great flavor – The long cooking time allows flavors to develop and meld together.
- Perfect texture – Vegetables and beans become ultra soft and tender after cooking for hours.
- Easy cleanup – When done, just scoop out the leftovers and give the crockpot a quick scrub.
- Portability – Bring a crockpot of hot soup to a potluck or gathering.
- Cost effective – Make a large batch that can feed a crowd or provide leftovers.
How to Make Bear Creek Soup in a Crockpot
Making Bear Creek soup in a crockpot is simple! Just follow these steps:
- Prepare the Bear Creek soup mix according to package directions.
- Pour the prepared soup into your crockpot.
- Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Most Bear Creek soup mixes will make about 4-6 servings per package. You can double or triple the recipe to make larger portions.
Here is a more detailed step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the soup mix: Empty the Bear Creek soup mix into a bowl and whisk to break up any clumps. Add the amount of water, milk or broth called for in the instructions. Stir well to fully incorporate.
- Pour into the crockpot: Transfer the prepared soup to your crockpot. Make sure you use a crockpot large enough to hold the full recipe, leaving a couple inches of headspace at the top.
- Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook the soup on the low setting for 6-8 hours. The longer cooking draws out more flavor.
- Stir and check consistency: After a few hours, open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Make sure there are no clumps or dry bits. Add a splash more liquid if needed.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the soup and add any additional salt, pepper or other seasonings you like. You can also add extra vegetables or protein at this point if desired.
- Serve hot: Scoop the piping hot soup into bowls. Garnish with cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Tips for Crockpot Bear Creek Soups
Follow these tips for the best results when making Bear Creek soups in a crockpot:
- Cut vegetables and meat into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Add tender vegetables like peas or broccoli in the last 30 minutes so they don’t overcook.
- To thicken the soup, stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end.
- For a creamier texture, use milk instead of water.
- Try sprinkling cheese or croutons on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Stir occasionally and add more liquid if the soup is too thick.
- To transport the soup, switch the crockpot to warm setting. Always handle with potholders!
Recommended Crockpots for Soup
Any basic 4-6 quart crockpot will work well for making Bear Creek soups. Here are some top-rated models to consider:
| Crockpot | Features |
|---|---|
| Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S | 6 quart, programmable, digital timer |
| Hamilton Beach Set and Forget | 6 quart, programmable, oval design |
| Cuisinart PSC-650 | 6.5 quart, oval, stainless steel |
| Instant Pot DUO60 | 6 quart, electric pressure cooker with slow cook setting |
Recipe Ideas for Crockpot Bear Creek Soups
Bear Creek soup mixes are very versatile. You can customize them in so many ways. Here are some delicious recipe ideas to try:
Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Bear Creek tortilla soup mix
- 1 lb shredded chicken
- 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- Diced avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla strips for topping
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Bear Creek potato leek soup mix
- 1 32-oz carton chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- Cooked, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, green onion for topping
Minestrone with Sausage
- Bear Creek minestrone soup mix
- 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chopped kale
- Grated parmesan cheese
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Bear Creek tomato basil soup mix
- 2 14-oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh basil
Get creative and make your favorite Bear Creek soup even better in the crockpot!
FAQs
Can any Bear Creek soup be made in a crockpot?
Yes, all of the Bear Creek soup varieties can be prepared in a crockpot. Just follow the package instructions for the amount of liquid and cook time. Some soups with finer grains like couscous may turn out a bit mushier.
Do you need to adjust the recipe for a crockpot?
Most Bear Creek soup mixes can be made as-is in the crockpot without any recipe adjustments. You may want to add a bit more liquid if cooking for a longer period of time. Taste and season at the end, adding more herbs or salt if desired.
How long should you cook Bear Creek soup in a crockpot?
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. You can go up to 10 hours for richer flavor. Avoid cooking longer than 10 hours as the ingredients could overcook and become mushy.
Can you prepare the soup mix ahead of time?
Yes, you can hydrate and prepare the soup 1-2 days in advance. Then store it covered in the fridge until ready to cook in the crockpot. This can help shorten the cooking time needed.
What liquids work best for the soup base?
Water, chicken or vegetable broth, and milk all work well. For creamier soups, use milk or half-and-half. Broths add savory flavor. Use whatever liquid is recommended on the package.
Should you stir the soup while cooking in a crockpot?
Stirring occasionally is recommended, especially after the first few hours of cooking. This helps distribute the flavors evenly and prevents sticking or scorching on the bottom. Be careful when opening the lid to stir.
Conclusion
Making Bear Creek soup mixes in a crockpot results in flavorful, hearty soups with very little effort. The crockpot does all the work so you don’t have to continuously watch a pot. You’ll love coming home to a hot meal ready and waiting for you. Be creative and make your favorite Bear Creek soups even better by cooking them low and slow in the crockpot. Just fill, turn it on, and enjoy delicious homemade soup any night of the week!