Loaded Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of potatoes, cheese, bacon, and cream. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold day or as a satisfying meal any time of the year.
The combination of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a delicious and indulgent soup that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why Loaded Potato Soup is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Comforting: The combination of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for any meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile: You can customize the seasonings and add-ins to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that’s sure to please.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, ensuring that everyone will enjoy its delicious flavors.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Potatoes
Potatoes are the star of this recipe, providing a creamy and comforting base. You can use any variety of potatoes, but Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work best due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked.
Bacon
Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. You can use turkey bacon or pancetta as substitutes if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic.
Cheese
Cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor to the soup. You can substitute it with other types of cheese like Gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.
How to Make Loaded Potato Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. This step ensures that the bacon is fully cooked and crispy, adding a rich, smoky flavor to the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures that the potatoes are evenly coated and ready to be cooked in the liquid.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for the soup.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Add the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine. This step ensures that the soup is well-seasoned and flavorful.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This step ensures that the potatoes are fully cooked and the flavors are well-combined.
Step 7: Blend the Soup (Optional)
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the potatoes in the pot. This step is optional and depends on your preference for a chunkier or smoother soup.
Step 8: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. This step adds a rich, tangy flavor to the soup.
Step 9: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the cooked bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! This step adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making the soup even more enjoyable.
Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 large potatoes peeled and diced
- 4 cups 960ml chicken broth
- 2 cups 480ml milk
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups 225g shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- ¼ cup 15g chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
- Season the Soup: Add the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the potatoes in the pot. This step is optional and depends on your preference for a chunkier or smoother soup.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the cooked bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the bacon is fully cooked and crispy before removing it from the pot.
- You can adjust the amount of cheese and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese.
Expert Tips for Success
- Fully Cooked Bacon: Ensure the bacon is fully cooked and crispy before removing it from the pot. This helps to achieve a rich, smoky flavor in the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to suit your preferences.
- Consistent Chopping: Chop the onions, garlic, and chives into uniform sizes for an even distribution of flavor.
- Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. Ensure all other ingredients are certified vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free milk and cheese to make this recipe dairy-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified dairy-free.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the soup for an herbal note.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in additional shredded cheese like mozzarella or Swiss cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Loaded Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the soup is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container and freeze until solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of milk or water to help retain moisture during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This Loaded Potato Soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich and creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing that’s perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Loaded Potato Soup, you might also like:
- Baked Potato Soup: A creamy and hearty soup made with baked potatoes, aromatic vegetables, cream, and cheese, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: A rich and creamy soup made with tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cream.
- Chicken and Vegetable Soup: A hearty and nutritious soup made with chicken, a variety of vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
Conclusion
Loaded Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its rich, creamy, and flavorful ingredients, it’s a soup that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a winner.
Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Loaded Potato Soup!