Do you crave a hearty, comforting dish that warms you from the inside out? Imagine a bowl of creamy, rich potato soup, loaded with all your favorite toppings—crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh chives. This Creamy Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra coziness in your life. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.
Benefits of Making Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
Making Creamy Loaded Potato Soup is like giving yourself a warm hug in a bowl. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making this dish as nourishing as it is comforting. Plus, it’s versatile—whether you want to keep it simple or load it up with all the fixings, this soup adapts to your preferences.
Another great benefit of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite easy on your wallet. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal; it tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin cooking, gather all your tools and ingredients to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Tools:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Large ladle
- Sharp knife (for chopping)
- Cutting board
- Potato masher or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing spoon
- Cheese grater (if grating your own cheese)
Ingredients:
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped chives, extra cheese, extra bacon
Having these tools and ingredients ready will help you whip up this comforting soup with ease.
Preparation Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down nicely, creating a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option if you prefer a slightly richer, buttery flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon: Cooking the bacon until crispy adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup. Reserve a bit of the bacon fat to sauté the onions and garlic for an extra depth of flavor.
- Control the Creaminess: For a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes; for a chunkier soup, leave more potato pieces whole. An immersion blender can be used for a smoother consistency.
- Season Throughout: Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook. Adding salt at different stages helps build layers of flavor.
Full Recipe
Creamy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped chives, extra cheese, extra bacon
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the butter and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes. This forms a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the cubed potatoes, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher to break up some of the potatoes directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the soup.
- Stir in Dairy: Add the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream to the pot, stirring until fully combined. Heat the soup gently over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t boil, which could cause the dairy to curdle.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, reserving some for garnish.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon, and chopped chives. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort of this delicious dish.
Side Dish Recommendations
Creamy Loaded Potato Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides that complement its richness.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, add a healthy side to your meal.
Tips, Notes, Storing, and Serving
Tips:
- Adjust the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cheese Choices: Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor.
Notes:
- Low-Fat Option: For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and sour cream. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storing:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Serving:
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent it from scorching.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Curdled Soup: To prevent curdling, avoid boiling the soup after adding the dairy. Keep the heat low and stir frequently.
- Too Thick: If your soup is too thick, gradually add more broth or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Lumpy Soup: For a smoother soup, make sure to whisk the roux well and use an immersion blender if needed to break up any lumps.
- Overcooked Bacon: To avoid overcooking the bacon, remove it from the pot as soon as it turns crispy and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the soup.
- Underseasoning: Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes work well in this recipe and add a buttery flavor. Red potatoes can also be used, but they will result in a less creamy texture.
2. How do I make this soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, replace the dairy with coconut milk or almond milk, and use vegan butter and cheese substitutes.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the bacon and onions on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the dairy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. How can I add more flavor to the soup?
Adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers can enhance the flavor. Also, a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
5. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes can be added to the soup to thicken it and add extra creaminess.
In conclusion, this Creamy Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or paired with your favorite sides, this soup is sure to become a staple in your household.