Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
This hearty and comforting Loaded Potato Soup is packed with creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and all the classic toppings you love. It’s a delicious, warming dish that’s perfect for chilly nights and is surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4-6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Sour cream (optional)
- Extra shredded cheese (optional)
- Cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Set aside.
- Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor, or discard the excess grease if desired.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup.
5. Add the Broth and Potatoes:
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes, and bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
- Let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Blend (Optional):
- For a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot, or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup (leave some chunks for texture). Alternatively, you can blend 1-2 cups of the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot for a creamier consistency.
7. Finish the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, sour cream (if using), salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors and heat everything through.
8. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions (or chives). Add a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Sprinkle with additional black pepper or more cheese, if you like!
Tips for Success:
- Potato Type: Russet potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and break down slightly during cooking, which helps thicken the soup. You can use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture, but they won’t thicken the soup as much.
- Make It Lighter: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk (though the soup won’t be as rich). You can also use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding crispy fried onions, hot sauce, or diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: You can add caramelized onions, chopped broccoli, or even shredded chicken to make it a more hearty meal.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: This soup will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that dairy (like the cream and sour cream) can sometimes separate after freezing. To freeze, omit the cream and sour cream from the soup, and stir them in when reheating.
This Loaded Potato Soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a cozy gathering. The rich, creamy texture combined with crispy bacon and melted cheese makes it absolutely irresistible!
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