Loaded Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something rich and filling. This creamy soup is packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all brought together in a luscious broth. It’s a favorite for many because of its robust flavors and versatility. Here’s a detailed recipe and a bit of insight into why this dish is so beloved.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
- 4 large Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (2% milk can also be used)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by frying the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it becomes crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot, as this will add extra flavor to the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and ground cayenne pepper, and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine them with the onion and garlic mixture. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the potatoes, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour. This step will help thicken the soup later on.
Step 4: Create the Broth
Slowly pour in the low sodium chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Follow this with the whole milk, stirring to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will thicken the soup further, while still leaving some chunks of potato for texture. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and white cheddar, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Seasoning
After the cheese has fully melted, stir in the sour cream until the soup is smooth and creamy. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can also add more ground cayenne pepper at this stage.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Garnish with chopped chives for a fresh, oniony kick. If desired, add extra shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy experience.
Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Soup:
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they break down easily, giving the soup a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well, offering a slightly buttery flavor.
- Bacon Substitutes: If you’re looking to make this soup vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a similar smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a vegetarian bacon substitute.
- Texture Variation: For a chunkier soup, mash only half of the potatoes and leave the rest in chunks. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a light vegetable side.
Nutritional Information:
While Loaded Potato Soup is undeniably delicious, it’s also quite rich. The combination of bacon, cheese, and sour cream makes it high in calories and fat. However, this dish can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For those looking to lighten it up, consider using turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and low-fat sour cream.
Final Thoughts:
Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s day or as a hearty weeknight meal, this soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The blend of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a staple in your household!
