Growing up, Loaded Potato Soup was always a favorite in our household. The creamy, comforting broth, the tender chunks of potato, and the toppings that made it truly “loaded” – it was the ultimate winter warmer. I can still remember the aroma of that Loaded Potato Soup simmering on the stove, filling the whole house with its irresistible scent. My mom would make a big batch, and we’d all gather around the table, eagerly awaiting our bowls. It was the kind of meal that just made you feel good, you know? The perfect way to thaw out on a chilly day.
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Why This Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Loaded Potato Soup
This Loaded Potato Soup recipe is truly special because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy indulgence and comforting, homemade flavor. The secret lies in the way the potatoes are prepared – we’re talking silky-smooth mashed potatoes combined with tender, chunky pieces for the ultimate texture. And the toppings? Well, let’s just say we’ve gone all out to make this Loaded Potato Soup the stuff that dreams are made of.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Russet potatoes: The backbone of this Loaded Potato Soup, providing that classic baked potato flavor and hearty texture.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds an irresistible savory note and crispy topping.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the soup, creating that signature “loaded” experience.
- Sour cream: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream balances the richness of the soup.
- Chives: Fresh chives add a pop of color and a subtle onion-y flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps to create the velvety, luxurious texture of the soup.
- Milk: Whole milk lends creaminess without weighing down the soup.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful broth serves as the base, infusing the soup with comforting depth.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Loaded Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Loaded Potato Soup
This Loaded Potato Soup is surprisingly easy to make, with just a handful of steps. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy night in, as it only takes about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a potato masher or ricer, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.
1- Begin by washing and cubing the Russet potatoes. Aim for 1-inch pieces so they cook through evenly.
2- In the pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, reserving the drippings in the pot.
3- Sauté the onions in the bacon drippings until softened, about 5 minutes.
4- Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
5- Use a potato masher or ricer to mash about half of the potatoes right in the pot, creating a creamy base.
6- Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the soup, along with the shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Ladle the Loaded Potato Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Loaded Potato Soup is finding the right balance between smooth and chunky textures. Mashing half the potatoes creates that signature creamy base, while leaving the other half intact gives you those satisfying bites of potato.
Another pro tip? Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Start with the recommended amounts of salt and pepper, then add more if needed.
And when it comes to the toppings, feel free to get creative! Shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped scallions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley all make delicious additions.
Serving and Storing Your Loaded Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Loaded Potato Soup
Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs perfectly with cozy, warming sides. Think crusty bread, soft dinner rolls, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside a crisp grilled cheese sandwich. And don’t forget the beverages – a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea are both excellent choices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Loaded Potato Soup will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the soup base in advance and store it separately from the toppings. When ready to serve, simply reheat the base and add the crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Loaded Potato Soup
Creative Loaded Potato Soup Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put a unique spin on this Loaded Potato Soup recipe. Try swapping the Russet potatoes for Yukon Golds or red-skinned potatoes. You could also add diced ham, crumbled sausage, or even shredded chicken for extra heartiness.
For a seasonal twist, experiment with roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings – think crispy fried onions, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Making Loaded Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make this Loaded Potato Soup a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few easy swaps you can try. For a lower-fat version, use nonfat or low-fat milk and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. To make it gluten-free, simply omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch. And for a vegan Loaded Potato Soup, replace the dairy products with plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk and cashew-based sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato in this Loaded Potato Soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are the classic choice, you can definitely experiment with other varieties. Yukon Gold potatoes will give you a slightly creamier texture, while red-skinned potatoes will hold their shape a bit better. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How long does Loaded Potato Soup take to make?
A: This Loaded Potato Soup recipe comes together relatively quickly, in about an hour from start to finish. The active prep time is around 20 minutes, and the rest of the time is spent simmering the soup on the stove.
Q: Can I make Loaded Potato Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Loaded Potato Soup is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the soup base in advance and store it separately from the toppings. When ready to serve, simply reheat the base and add the crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Q: How many servings does this Loaded Potato Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 6-8 servings of Loaded Potato Soup, depending on the portion size. It’s a hearty, comforting dish, so a bowl or cup-sized serving is typically plenty.
Q: What if my Loaded Potato Soup turns out too thick or too thin?
A: If your Loaded Potato Soup ends up too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth or milk, stirring until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Loaded Potato Soup – a velvety, hearty dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh chives, this comforting classic is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
– 4 slices bacon, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot, reserving the bacon fat.
2. 2. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent.
3. 3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. 4. Add the diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
5. 5. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a creamy, velvety consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
6. 6. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper.
7. 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 with a potato masher or fork before blending. You can also add extra cream or milk to adjust the consistency to your liking. This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and I can’t wait for you to try it. The combination of creamy, chunky potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and cool sour cream is truly unbeatable. Trust me, once you’ve had a bowl of this, it’s going to become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation. So grab your spoon and get ready to dig in – this Loaded Potato Soup is about to become your new go-to!
