Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Homemade Loaded Potato Soup: A Comfort Food Classic

On a chilly evening, nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade loaded potato soup. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy textures and savory flavors that soothe the soul. From my first taste of this rich soup, I knew it was destined to be a staple in my kitchen—perfect for cozy family dinners or a satisfying lunch. Imagine potatoes simmered to creamy perfection, blended until smooth, and then topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions! It’s a symphony of flavors that invites you to take just one more spoonful.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What sets loaded potato soup apart from other soups? The sheer indulgence of creamy, cheesy, and satisfying flavors makes it truly special. This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also budget-friendly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a comforting family brunch. In just about an hour, you can create a dish that feels extravagant without breaking the bank.

"This potato soup was a hit with my kids! They went back for seconds—and thirds! The creamy texture and crispy bacon topping made it a favorite." – Emma R.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

The process of making homemade loaded potato soup is straightforward, designed for cooks of all levels. You’ll find yourself sautéing aromatic onion and garlic, simmering tender potatoes in savory chicken broth, then blending everything into silky smooth perfection. Stir in some heavy cream and cheese, and you’re ready to indulge!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need for this delicious recipe:

• Potatoes: 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth: 4 cups
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled
• Green onions: 3, sliced for garnish
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Feel free to swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use low-fat cream for a lighter soup.

Cooking Steps

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the chopped potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, roughly 15–20 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender if necessary), blend the mixture until it’s smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topping each bowl with crispy bacon and sliced green onions.

Best Way to Serve

When it comes to serving homemade loaded potato soup, a few ideas elevate the experience. Pair it with crusty bread or warm biscuits for a hearty meal—perfect for dipping. For an added crunch, consider a side salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette. Don’t forget to have extra toppings on hand, like additional cheese, sour cream, or even jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat!

Storage Tips

To keep your homemade loaded potato soup fresh longer, allow it to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, consider freezing individual portions. Just ensure you leave some room for expansion in the container. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Always make sure it reaches 165°F before serving to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Pro Chef Tips

• For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, during the simmering phase.
• If you love cheese, mix in different types like gouda or pepper jack for a fun twist.
• To enhance the soup’s creaminess, use an immersion blender for a thicker consistency, blending only half of the soup base.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with your loaded potato soup! Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth, or toss in some spinach for added nutrition. You can also swap traditional toppings with different cheeses, try caramelized onions instead of raw, or even add a splash of hot sauce for a zesty kick!

Your Questions Answered

How long does this soup take to make?

Total preparation and cooking time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk option, but keep in mind that cream will provide the richest flavor and texture.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon, or use a vegetarian bacon substitute for that smoky flavor.

With its comforting flavors and creamy texture, this homemade loaded potato soup is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion!

Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian (with substitutions)

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Description

A warm and creamy loaded potato soup topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the chopped potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topping each bowl with crispy bacon and sliced green onions.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable 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: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: potato soup, comfort food, creamy soup, loaded potato soup