Warm up with a hearty bowl of Loaded Potato Soup, featuring creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and a swirl of sour cream. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something truly delicious! Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite for family dinners, gatherings, or simply as a cozy meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: The combination of heavy cream and cheddar cheese makes this soup incredibly smooth and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep, you can whip up this loaded potato soup in no time.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side. It’s perfect for any occasion!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loaded with flavor and topped with crispy bacon, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will help streamline your cooking process. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to prepare the loaded potato soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
- Cooking spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the potatoes evenly in chicken broth.
- Potato masher: Helps achieve the desired texture by allowing you to mash potatoes while keeping some chunks intact.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup without spilling.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Flavoring
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Toppings
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Loaded Potato Soup
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Once cooked, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes slightly. Leave some chunks for added texture in your soup.
Step 3: Add Cream and Seasoning
Stir in the heavy cream along with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes while mixing well.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Bacon
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Add half of the crumbled bacon into the mixture and combine thoroughly.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle the loaded potato soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle on remaining bacon, sliced green onions, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your warm bowl of loaded potato soup!
How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup
Loaded Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some creative ways to elevate your soup experience.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Green Onions: Add a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Sprinkle on top for extra texture and a savory kick.
- Dollop of Sour Cream: A creamy addition that enhances the richness of the soup.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Offers a flavorful side that complements the creamy potato taste.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Adds an extra layer of indulgence with melted cheese.
Serve with Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic choice that brings crisp romaine and tangy dressing.
- Garden Salad: Lightens up the meal with fresh veggies and a zesty vinaigrette.
How to Perfect Loaded Potato Soup
To achieve the best Loaded Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavors and textures.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: Fresh russet potatoes provide a better texture and flavor compared to pre-packaged ones.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or reduce the broth slightly during cooking.
- Add Extra Cheese: For even creamier results, mix in additional shredded cheese just before serving.
- Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Simmer Slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps blend all flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different garnishes like jalapeños or avocado for a unique twist.
Best Side Dishes for Loaded Potato Soup
Complement your Loaded Potato Soup with these delightful side dishes. They enhance the meal while adding variety.
- Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A warm, gooey sandwich that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory bites filled with cheese and herbs; great for sharing!
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing side.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts seasoned with garlic provide an earthy crunch alongside the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked wedges echo potato flavors while offering a satisfying crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Loaded Potato Soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the mashing step: Failing to mash the potatoes can result in a soup that lacks texture. Make sure to mash them slightly for a creamy yet chunky consistency.
- Using low-quality cheese: Opting for pre-shredded cheese can lead to a greasy soup. Use high-quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor and melting experience.
- Overcooking the bacon: Cooking bacon too long can make it too crispy and tough. Cook until just crispy, then crumble it into the soup to maintain some chewiness.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving can leave it bland. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.
- Ignoring garnishes: Skipping garnishes like green onions and parsley can make your soup look less appealing. These add color and freshness, enhancing both taste and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Loaded Potato Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion as the soup freezes.
Reheating Loaded Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loaded Potato Soup?
Loaded Potato Soup is a creamy and hearty dish made with potatoes, cheese, bacon, and toppings like sour cream and green onions.
Can I make Loaded Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.
How do I customize Loaded Potato Soup?
You can customize this soup by adding different vegetables like broccoli, or by swapping out bacon for turkey bacon or even ham.
Is Loaded Potato Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Always check your broth brand to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While russet potatoes are ideal, you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for different flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
Loaded Potato Soup is a versatile dish perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. Its creamy texture combined with rich flavors makes it a favorite among many. Plus, feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients! Enjoy making this comforting classic at home!
Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up your soul with a comforting bowl of Loaded Potato Soup! This creamy delight combines tender russet potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a swirl of sour cream for an irresistible dish perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings. The easy-to-follow recipe makes it a family favorite and an excellent choice for meal prep. Serve it as a hearty main course or alongside your favorite bread and salads, and enjoy its warm, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Green onions and parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher to mash the cooked potatoes slightly, keeping some chunks for texture.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add shredded cheddar cheese, and half the crumbled bacon. Mix until cheese melts.
- Serve in bowls topped with sour cream, remaining bacon, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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