Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. This rich, creamy, and indulgent soup is packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a blend of cheeses that create a symphony of flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty, this soup is a meal in itself. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 8 bacon slices, chopped
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups milk
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the unsalted butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Base

1. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Add the Liquids: Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Add the milk and continue to stir until the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

1. Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot along with the ground cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Blend and Thicken

1. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the potatoes. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend until completely smooth.
2. Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and sharp cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Add Sour Cream and Bacon: Stir in the sour cream until well combined. Add most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish.
2. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved bacon, chopped fresh chives, and additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this loaded potato soup.

Tips for Success

Tip 1: Use High-Quality Cheese

• High-quality cheeses melt better and provide a richer flavor. Freshly grated cheese is preferred over pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.

Tip 2: Adjust Consistency to Preference

• If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Tip 3: Balance the Seasonings

• The bacon and cheeses add a lot of saltiness, so taste the soup before adding extra salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.

Variations

Variation 1: Add Vegetables

• Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for added flavor.

Variation 2: Use Different Cheeses

• Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, fontina, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.

Variation 3: Spice it Up

• If you like a bit of heat, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestion 1: Bread

• Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious soup.

Serving Suggestion 2: Salad

• Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.

Serving Suggestion 3: Toppings

• Offer additional toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream so everyone can customize their bowl.

Loaded Potato Soup is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, rich cheeses, and a creamy base creates a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the cozy, hearty goodness of this delicious soup!