Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Craving something warm, creamy, and packed with flavor? This loaded potato soup recipe is perfect for satisfying your hunger while offering comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re preparing a meal for the family or just indulging in a cozy bowl for yourself, this recipe is sure to please. With rich ingredients like crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy potatoes, you’ll want to read through the entire article for tips, tricks, and secrets to make the most delicious loaded potato soup!

this Recipe

What is Loaded Potato Soup?

Loaded potato soup is a thick, creamy soup made with tender potatoes and loaded with tasty toppings like shredded cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. It brings together the hearty goodness of a baked potato with the richness of a comforting soup, making it a perfect dish for cold days or when you're craving something indulgent.

Ingredients List for Loaded Potato Soup

To prepare this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. These quantities are perfect for serving 6 people, but feel free to adjust depending on your needs.

• 6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sour cream
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about loaded potato soup is its versatility. You can make adjustments to suit your dietary preferences or to use ingredients you have on hand.

• Substituting bacon: If you're vegetarian, consider using crispy smoked tofu or a plant-based bacon alternative. For a lighter option, turkey bacon works well too.
• Dairy-free version: Swap the heavy cream, sour cream, and milk for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream. Look for vegan cheddar cheese to replace the regular cheese.
• Add more vegetables: Enhance the nutrition of this dish by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or even cauliflower. These can be blended with the potatoes for added creaminess.
• Spice it up: For a kick of heat, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this loaded potato soup is surprisingly easy, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Just follow these steps to ensure a smooth, flavorful outcome.

How to Cook Loaded Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and dice your potatoes into small cubes, chop your onion, mince the garlic, and cook the bacon until crispy. Once the bacon is cooked, set it aside on a paper towel to cool and drain excess grease.

Step 2: Cook the Base of the Soup

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Once the onions are soft, sprinkle the flour over them. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (a thickening paste made from fat and flour). This will help thicken the soup later.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring as you go to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes to the mixture and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup directly in the pot. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend less; for a smoother soup, blend more. Alternatively, you can transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, blend it, and then return it to the pot.

Step 6: Add the Dairy

Now it’s time to make the soup extra creamy. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream. Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness. Be sure to taste the soup and season it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

Step 7: Add the Toppings

Finally, stir in about half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon into the soup. Let the cheese melt into the soup, making it even richer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this soup is fairly straightforward, a few common mistakes can detract from its rich flavor and smooth texture.

1. Not thickening the soup properly: Skipping the roux (flour and butter) step may leave your soup watery. Make sure to stir the flour evenly into the butter and onions for the best consistency.
2. Over-blending the soup: If you blend the entire soup, you risk making it too smooth, eliminating the chunky potato texture. Always leave some chunks for the best mouthfeel.
3. Adding dairy too soon: Never add milk, cream, or sour cream while the soup is boiling, as this can cause them to curdle. Lower the heat to a simmer before adding these ingredients.
4. Forgetting to taste: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so you may need to season more than you think.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Your loaded potato soup is ready, but how you serve and present it can make a huge difference. Here are some tips to elevate the experience:

How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls that have been warmed (you can do this by placing them in the oven on low heat for a few minutes). Top each bowl with the remaining crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added richness. If you want, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on top for a burst of color and subtle smoky flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Potato Soup

• Bread bowl: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic, hearty presentation. The bread will soak up some of the flavors, making it a tasty accompaniment.
• Mason jars: For a fun twist, ladle the soup into mason jars, garnish with the toppings, and serve with small spoons for a more casual, portable presentation.
• Layered toppings: When serving the soup in bowls, create layers of toppings for a stunning look. Start with the bacon, followed by cheese, and top with green onions. The visual contrast will make it more appetizing.

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Consistency: If the soup turns out too thick for your liking, simply add a bit more milk or broth to thin it out. Likewise, if it’s too thin, simmer it longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour while making the roux.
• Storage: Loaded potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. Be sure to stir often to prevent it from sticking.
• Freezing: While it's possible to freeze the soup, the texture may change slightly because of the dairy. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and sour cream. You can stir them in when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can work as well, but Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy consistency, which helps thicken the soup.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes can give your soup a spicy kick. You can also use spicy cheese or hot sauce for extra heat.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! Loaded potato soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop and add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick.

4. Can I use instant potatoes?
While using instant potatoes is possible, the soup won’t have the same texture or depth of flavor as when made with fresh potatoes. Freshly diced potatoes provide a heartier bite.

5. What can I serve with loaded potato soup?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully with loaded potato soup. A light side helps balance the richness of the soup.

Conclusion

Loaded potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh green onions in one bowl of deliciousness. With the help of this recipe and step-by-step guide, you’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying a meal that will warm you from the inside out. Experiment with substitutions, get creative with the presentation, and most importantly—enjoy every spoonful of this rich, hearty soup.

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