There’s something incredibly cozy about a bowl of loaded potato soup, especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is a must. My first experience with this heartwarming dish was during a family gathering. The rich, creamy flavors enveloped me like a warm blanket, instantly lifting my spirits. Loaded potato soup is a decadent yet simple recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend brunches. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian (if bacon is omitted)
Description
A heartwarming loaded potato soup, rich and creamy, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier soup)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove it from the pot, crumble it, and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add butter to the pot and sauté the diced onion until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Add your diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup, but leave some pieces for texture.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and sour cream, allowing them to melt into the soup, making it creamy.
- Serve in bowls, topping with crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of extra cheese, and sliced green onions.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute bacon with a veggie option and almond milk. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Loaded potato soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience in a bowl. Its unique blend of hearty ingredients makes it budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Ideal for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a cozy gathering with friends, this soup checks all the boxes. Kids adore it, and you’ll love how easy it is to whip up. With its creamy texture and delightful toppings, this dish can turn a mundane dinner into a special occasion.
“This soup is a game changer! It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and my kids can’t get enough of it!” – Sarah, Home Chef
Preparing Loaded Potato Soup
Before we jump into the details, here’s a quick overview of what to expect in this delicious journey:
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
In this recipe, we’ll transform simple ingredients into a comforting bowl of joy. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients for your loaded potato soup:
- 6 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier soup)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced, for topping)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Feel free to substitute the bacon for a veggie option, or use almond milk for a lighter version!
Directions to Follow
Creating this delicious soup is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large pot, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove it from the pot, crumble it, and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add butter to the pot and sauté the diced onion until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Add your diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup, but leave some pieces for texture.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and sour cream, allowing them to melt into the soup, making it creamy.
- Serve in bowls, topping with crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of extra cheese, and sliced green onions.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This loaded potato soup is delicious all on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with a few creative serving ideas:
- Serve with crunchy garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for that delightful contrast.
- Pair with a crisp garden salad for a refreshing bite beside the creamy soup.
- For a whimsical twist, consider garnishing bowls with a dollop of spicy salsa or jalapeños for some heat!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
After indulging in this comforting soup, you’re likely to have some leftovers. Here’s how to store them safely:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze loaded potato soup. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, and then warm it gently over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently to maintain a smooth texture.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Elevate your loaded potato soup game with these pro tips:
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are the best choice for a creamy texture, but Yukon golds work great too!
- Bacon Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, try using smoked bacon.
- Thickness Tip: If you prefer your soup thicker, simply mash more potatoes or add a potato flour slurry during cooking.
Creative Twists
This recipe is versatile, and you can add your personal flair:
- Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives during cooking for an aromatic touch.
- Cheese Cravings: Swap out cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Style: Keep it meatless by omitting bacon and adding more vegetables, like corn or bell peppers.
Your Questions Answered
1. How long does the soup take to prepare?
The entire process takes about 35 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
2. Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are recommended for creaminess, Yukon golds or red potatoes are great alternatives that still yield a delicious soup.
3. How do I properly store leftovers?
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Embark on this culinary adventure and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of loaded potato soup!