Introduction
Loaded potato soup recipe lovers, this is your ultimate guide! There’s nothing better than a creamy, hearty bowl of soup packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through making the best loaded potato soup recipe from scratch.
What Is Loaded Potato Soup?
What Makes a Recipe “Loaded”?
The term “loaded” refers to toppings that take a simple potato soup to the next level. Think crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. These additions make a standard potato soup richer, more flavorful, and irresistibly indulgent.
Why This Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Stands Out
This recipe is not just easy to follow; it’s also customizable and designed for the perfect creamy consistency every time. You’ll never need another recipe once you try this!
Why Make Loaded Potato Soup at Home?
Fresh Ingredients Mean Better Flavor
Homemade soup always tastes better because you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and avoiding unnecessary preservatives.
Perfectly Tailored to Your Needs
This loaded potato soup recipe can be adapted for dietary preferences, whether gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free.
Affordable Comfort Food
Making your soup at home is far more cost-effective than ordering it at a restaurant, plus you’ll have leftovers for days.
Step-by-Step Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions to Make the Soup
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy. Let it cool and crumble it for later.
- Make the Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Slowly pour in the broth and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add Potatoes and Aromatics: Toss in diced potatoes, onion, and garlic. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend (Optional): Use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks intact.
- Incorporate Toppings: Stir in cheddar cheese, sour cream, and half the bacon bits. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining bacon, green onions, and extra cheese.
Pro Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Soup
- Use Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture makes the soup extra creamy.
- Blend to Your Preference: For a smooth soup, puree all the potatoes; for a rustic feel, leave it chunky.
- Save the Bacon Grease: Cook your onions and garlic in bacon grease for added flavor.
Variations of the Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Vegetarian-Friendly
Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked cheese for a savory kick.
Gluten-Free Option
Replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener, such as cornstarch or potato starch.
Dairy-Free Option
Substitute dairy products with almond or coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
FAQs
- Can I Freeze Loaded Potato Soup?
Yes, but freeze it before adding dairy. Stir in milk or cream after reheating for the best texture. - How Do I Thicken Potato Soup?
Mash some cooked potatoes directly in the pot or add a tablespoon of instant potato flakes. - What Toppings Work Best?
Crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions are classic, but jalapeños or hot sauce can spice things up. - What’s the Best Potato for Soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy consistency, but Yukon Gold potatoes work well for a buttery flavor. - Can I Make It Ahead?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
This loaded potato soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory toppings, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and experience the joy of a homemade classic. Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family!
