why make this recipe
Loaded Potato Soup is not just a warm meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Picture a chilly evening, where the only thing that could make you feel cozy is a spoonful of creamy, savory goodness. This soup is packed with heartwarming flavors of fresh potatoes, smoky bacon, and rich cheese. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or a quiet night in, offering comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
how to make Loaded Potato Soup
Making Loaded Potato Soup is quite simple and requires just a few steps. You start by cooking bacon in a large pot. The crispy, smoky flavor of the bacon creates a rich base for the soup. After removing the bacon, sauté the diced onion in the bacon drippings until they turn translucent. This adds depth to your soup’s flavor.
Next, add the peeled and diced potatoes along with chicken broth to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer until the potatoes are tender. To achieve a thicker texture, mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This step is essential as it makes your soup creamy and hearty.
Now, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and luxurious finish to the soup. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste to elevate the flavors. Finally, serve it hot and garnish with fresh green onions for a refreshing touch.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings.
- Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Mash some of the potatoes in the pot for a thicker consistency.
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
how to serve Loaded Potato Soup
To serve Loaded Potato Soup, ladle it into bowls while it’s still piping hot. Feel free to top each bowl with extra cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of green onions. For an added crunch, you can serve it with crusty bread or buttery biscuits on the side. This makes for a complete meal that everyone will love.
how to store Loaded Potato Soup
If you have leftovers, store Loaded Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture since it may thicken in the fridge.
tips to make Loaded Potato Soup
- For a richer flavor, choose Yukon Gold potatoes as they are creamier.
- You can also add garlic while sautéing the onions for an extra kick.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
variation
Try adding different vegetables such as corn or broccoli to enhance the nutritional value. You can also make this soup spicier by adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes, bringing a new layer of flavor to the dish.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but reduce the cooking time accordingly. -
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free bacon and chicken broth, this soup is gluten-free. -
How can I make it a bit healthier?
You can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. -
Can I freeze Loaded Potato Soup?
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze it. Make sure to leave out the cream and cheese before freezing for the best results. -
What can I add for extra flavor?
Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can give your soup a lovely aroma and flavor. -
How long does it take to make this soup?
The total time for making Loaded Potato Soup is about 30-40 minutes. -
Can I use other types of cheese?
Certainly! Feel free to mix cheeses or use whatever you have on hand for a different flavor. -
Why is my soup not creamy?
Make sure to mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup, and ensure you’re adding enough cream and cheese for the right consistency.
Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (if bacon is omitted)
Description
A creamy and savory soup made from fresh potatoes, smoky bacon, and rich cheddar cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings.
- Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Mash some of the potatoes in the pot for a thicker consistency.
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
