Growing up, Loaded Potato Soup was always a comfort food that reminded me of home. I can still vividly remember the aroma of baked potatoes and crispy bacon wafting through the kitchen as my mom simmered a big pot on the stove. It was the perfect meal to warm us up on those chilly winter evenings.
I’d often come home from school, cheeks flushed from the cold, and the sight of that steaming bowl of Loaded Potato Soup would instantly lift my spirits. Mom always did such an amazing job balancing the flavors – the creamy, velvety texture, the salty crunch of the bacon, the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, and the aromatic herbs. It was pure heaven in a spoon.
Even now, as an adult, I find myself craving that comforting taste of Loaded Potato Soup. There’s just something so nostalgic and satisfying about it. That’s why I’m excited to share my own tried-and-true Loaded Potato Soup recipe with you today. It’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Why This Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Loaded Potato Soup
What sets this Loaded Potato Soup recipe apart is the careful attention to detail throughout the cooking process. From the way the potatoes are prepped to the perfect blend of seasonings, every step has been meticulously refined to deliver maximum flavor and texture. The result is a rich, velvety soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight meal.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Russet potatoes – These starchy spuds are the foundation of the soup, providing the ideal creamy texture.
– Bacon – Crispy bacon bits add a delightful salty crunch and smoky bacon flavor.
– Onion – Sautéed onion lends a sweet, aromatic base to the soup.
– Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
– Chicken broth – Using a high-quality chicken broth ensures a robust, savory backdrop.
– Heavy cream – For an extra luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.
– Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the soup.
– Chives – Fresh chives provide a bright, oniony flavor and beautiful garnish.
Step-by-Step Loaded Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Loaded Potato Soup
This Loaded Potato Soup comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect cozy weeknight meal. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a potato masher or immersion blender, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by dicing the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. This uniform size will ensure even cooking.
2- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon bits and set aside, reserving the bacon grease in the pot.
3- Sauté the onions in the bacon grease for 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, being careful not to burn it.
4- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
5- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, partially mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
6- Ladle the Loaded Potato Soup into bowls and top with the reserved bacon bits and fresh chives. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– For extra-creamy Loaded Potato Soup, use a high-quality, thick-cut bacon.
– Grate the cheddar cheese rather than buying pre-shredded, which can have anti-caking additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
– Be careful not to overmash the potatoes – you want some nice chunks throughout the soup.
– Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more broth for a thinner soup or simmering longer for a thicker texture.
Serving and Storing Your Loaded Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Loaded Potato Soup
Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or warm buttermilk biscuits. It also makes a wonderfully satisfying main course. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with grilled cheese sandwiches or a crisp, tangy coleslaw.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Loaded Potato Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the soup base (without the cream and cheese) up to 3 days in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat the base, then stir in the cream and cheese just before ladling into bowls.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Loaded Potato Soup
Creative Loaded Potato Soup Variations
Once you’ve mastered this classic Loaded Potato Soup recipe, feel free to get creative with fun twists and seasonal variations. Try swapping out the cheddar for Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile. Add diced ham or sausage for a heartier soup. For a touch of spice, stir in some crumbled chorizo or diced jalapeños. You can also experiment with different herb combinations, like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Making Loaded Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Loaded Potato Soup more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. To reduce the carbs, replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower florets. For a vegan Loaded Potato Soup, swap the dairy products for plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk and vegan cheddar cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides Russets?
A: While Russets are the classic choice for Loaded Potato Soup, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Yukon Golds or red potatoes will also work, though they may result in a slightly different texture.
Q: How long does Loaded Potato Soup take to make?
A: This recipe can be ready in under an hour. The actual hands-on prep time is about 20 minutes, with the potatoes simmering for 15-20 minutes.
Q: Can I make Loaded Potato Soup in advance?
A: Yes, Loaded Potato Soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the base up to 3 days in advance, then simply reheat and stir in the cream and cheese just before serving.
Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: The potatoes are ready when they’re fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork or knife.
Q: What if my Loaded Potato Soup ends up too thick?
A: If your soup ends up thicker than you’d like, simply stir in a bit more broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
Description
Loaded Potato Soup is a creamy, indulgent, and incredibly comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and fresh chives, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
– 6 slices bacon, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, reserving the bacon grease.
2. – Add the diced onion to the bacon grease and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
3. – Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. – Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
5. – Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend a portion of the soup until it reaches your desired level of creaminess. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
6. – Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. You can also add additional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or crumbled bacon.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. With its rich, creamy texture, salty bacon bits, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day. I hope you’ll give this Loaded Potato Soup a try – I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and loved ones!
