Irresistible Loaded Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Loaded Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, bringing together the creamy goodness of potatoes, the savory crunch of bacon, and just enough cheese to make your heart sing. Imagine diving into a steaming bowl of this comforting delight on a chilly evening, with aromas wafting through your kitchen that make you feel like you’re home again.

Now, let me take you back to my college days when I first attempted making Loaded Potato Soup. I was convinced I could impress my friends with my culinary prowess. Spoiler alert: I almost set off the smoke alarm! But after some trial and error (and the strategic use of a fire extinguisher), I created a version that became our go-to comfort food for study sessions and late-night shenanigans. This soup is perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings where laughter and good food are a must.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for their starchy goodness; they create the perfect creamy base.
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor; crispy pieces take this soup to another level.
• Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent to release its sweet aroma.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives your soup a zesty kick; one or two cloves should do!
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while still delivering great flavor.
• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious creaminess that makes each spoonful feel like a treat.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese as it melts better than pre-shredded cheese; sprinkle generously on top!
• Green Onions: These add freshness and color; chop them finely for garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into small cubes—think bite-sized pieces that will cook quickly and absorb all that creamy goodness! Chop your onion and mince the garlic while you’re at it because we’re going full steam ahead!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot over medium heat, cook your bacon until it’s crispy—about 5-7 minutes should do it. Once it’s golden brown, remove it from the pot but leave that glorious bacon grease behind; it’s about to make our soup even more amazing.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add diced onions to the pot of bacon grease and sauté until they become translucent—around 3-4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until you can smell its heavenly aroma.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth

Next up, add those chopped potatoes into the pot along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a simmer, cover it up, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until your potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Blend It Up!

For that creamy texture we crave, use an immersion blender right in the pot (or transfer batches into a regular blender) until smooth but leave some chunks if you like texture. Stir in heavy cream for extra richness.

Step 6: Final Touches

Return the cooked bacon bits to the soup and stir in half of your grated cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot with remaining cheese on top alongside chopped green onions for garnish.

Transfer to bowls and savor every bite of this delightful Loaded Potato Soup—your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the potatoes until fork-tender, then sauté onions and garlic in butter for that aromatic kick. Combine everything with broth and cream for a deliciously creamy finish. Blend to your desired consistency, and voilà!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap russet potatoes for Yukon golds or add veggies like broccoli for extra nutrition. Cheese lovers can sprinkle in sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese. Don’t forget crispy bacon bits as a topping for that ultimate comfort food experience!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover loaded potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess without losing flavor.

Sometimes while stirring up this loaded potato soup, I think back to that chilly evening when my friends raved about how it tasted like childhood memories wrapped in bacon and cheese. Their smiles were worth every minute spent chopping potatoes!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Loaded Potato Soup?

To make a delicious Loaded Potato Soup, you will need russet potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, butter, and cheddar cheese. For added flavor, include onions, garlic, and seasonings such as salt and pepper. Top the soup with crispy bacon, green onions, and sour cream for a rich finish. These ingredients combine to create a creamy and hearty soup that’s perfect for cold days.

How long does it take to prepare Loaded Potato Soup?

Preparing Loaded Potato Soup typically takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 to 40 minutes of cooking time. Start by chopping the vegetables and boiling the potatoes until tender. Then simmer everything together to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Overall, you can enjoy this comforting dish in under an hour, making it great for busy weeknights.

Can I make Loaded Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make Loaded Potato Soup ahead of time! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that you may need to add a little extra broth or cream during reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Is Loaded Potato Soup suitable for freezing?

Loaded Potato Soup can be frozen; however, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze it successfully, cool the soup completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Conclusion for Loaded Potato Soup:

In summary, Loaded Potato Soup is a delightful dish that combines simple ingredients like potatoes, broth, and cream into a comforting meal. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy evenings or cozy gatherings. By following this recipe and using fresh toppings like bacon and green onions, you can elevate your soup experience. Don’t hesitate to make this tasty dish ahead of time or even freeze leftovers for later enjoyment!

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Loaded Potato Soup

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Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, blending creamy russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese into a warm bowl of goodness. Ideal for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a delightful flavor that will satisfy any palate.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove but keep the grease.
2. Add onions to the pot and sauté until translucent (3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for another minute.
3. Add diced potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
4. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a creamy consistency, leaving some chunks if desired. Stir in heavy cream.
5. Return cooked bacon to the pot and stir in half of the cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot with remaining cheese and green onions on top.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon golds or add vegetables like broccoli for extra nutrition. For an even creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.