Easy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food

easy-loaded-potato-soup-recipe
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Introduction

Is there anything more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of soup on a crisp day? Honestly, we think not. Furthermore, this particular recipe wraps you in a cozy blanket of flavor, making any ordinary evening feel special. Consequently, we are incredibly excited to share our ultimate recipe for a truly Delicious Loaded Potato Soup. This dish promises to become an instant classic in your home kitchen, just as it has in ours.

Essentially, Delicious Loaded Potato Soup is a hearty, creamy soup that transforms humble ingredients like russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives into a luxurious meal. This soup matters because it delivers the familiar, comforting taste of a fully-loaded baked potato but in a warm, spoonable form that feels like a hug from the inside out. It perfectly fits our blog’s tone of creating approachable, crowd-pleasing recipes that bring people together around the dinner table without requiring professional skills. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. For instance, you can easily make it in your slow cooker for a hands-off approach or prepare it quickly on the stovetop when a craving strikes. Ultimately, a bowl of this Delicious Loaded Potato Soup serves as the ultimate comfort food, offering a complete and satisfying meal that appeals to both adults and children alike. It is the culinary equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Delicious Loaded Potato Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was the first meal I ever confidently cooked for my now-husband. It is incredibly forgiving for new cooks, yet the result always feels impressively gourmet. I also love how the entire process, from frying the bacon to melting the cheese, fills our home with an unforgettable aroma that immediately gathers everyone in the kitchen. This soup has since become our family’s go-to celebration for first cold days, bad days, and everything in between, much like our favorite one-pan meal for busy weeknights. It is more than just food; it is my edible love letter to comfort.

Health and Nutrition

Why it’s good for your body

This Delicious Loaded Potato Soup delivers a powerful nutritional punch. First, potatoes provide an excellent source of potassium, which actively supports healthy blood pressure levels. Moreover, they offer a solid dose of vitamin C to help boost your immune system. Consequently, enjoying a bowl means you are fueling your body with essential micronutrients.

Additionally, the soup incorporates other wholesome ingredients that enhance its benefits. For instance, Greek yogurt or light sour cream adds a significant protein boost, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Furthermore, when you use a high-quality broth, you also benefit from collagen and minerals that support joint and gut health. Therefore, every spoonful of Delicious Loaded Potato Soup works hard for your well-being.

Finally, you can easily customize this dish to maximize its health profile. For example, leaving the potato skins on increases the fiber content, which actively aids digestion. Ultimately, this comforting Delicious Loaded Potato Soup is a nutrient-dense choice that truly nourishes you from the inside out.

How it fits in a healthy lifestyle

This soup fits perfectly into a balanced eating plan. You can easily make it a complete meal by adding a side salad or a piece of lean protein like grilled chicken. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for anyone with dietary restrictions. For more inspiration on building a wholesome menu, check out our guide to gluten-free meal prep.

Because you control the ingredients, you can tailor this Delicious Loaded Potato Soup to meet specific health goals. Opt for low-sodium broth and turkey bacon for a heart-healthy version, or load up on extra veggies like broccoli for more fiber. It’s all about making it work for you. If you’re looking for other comforting dishes that align with your wellness journey, our collection of healthy comfort food recipes has plenty of delicious ideas.

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easy-loaded-potato-soup-recipe

Loaded Potato Soup

  • Author: Chef mia
  • Prep Time: PT10M
  • Cook Time: PT35M
  • Total Time: PT45M
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Method: Soup
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This delicious and creamy Potato Soup recipe satisfies even the pickiest eaters with crisp bacon and a creamy, cheesy broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Ingredients
  • 8 slices bacon chopped
  • 1/4 cup butter unsalted
  • 4 large Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk or 2% milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup chopped chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. How to Make Loaded Potato Soup
  2. Step 1: Brown the chopped bacon in a heavy pot. Transfer the bacon to a plate.
  3. Step 2: Add the potatoes and onions to the pot and cook until the onions are tender.
  4. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
  5. Step 4: Melt butter in the pot. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat.
  6. Step 5: Whisk in the milk and chicken broth in several increments. Add the cooked vegetables back to the pot and simmer until fork tender.
  7. Step 6: Stir in both shredded cheeses until melted. Stir in the bacon, sour cream, chives, and salt and pepper to taste.

s-dish">How to Prepare This Dish

Steps and time-saving tips

First, grab your largest stockpot and set it over medium-high heat. Next, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes wonderfully crispy. Then, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, but definitely leave that glorious rendered fat behind. Now, toss your diced onions and celery into the pot and sauté them until they turn soft and fragrant. After that, add the minced garlic and stir for just one more minute. Meanwhile, use a box grater to shred your cheese; this simple step makes it melt so much smoother into your Delicious Loaded Potato Soup. Pour in your broth and dump all those peeled, cubed potatoes right in. Subsequently, bring everything to a lively boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes become perfectly tender. For a fantastic time-saving tip, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to quickly puree some of the soup for a creamy base. Alternatively, carefully transfer a few cups to a stand blender and pulse until smooth. Finally, stir in the milk, sour cream, and most of your shredded cheese. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling. Ladle your finished Delicious Loaded Potato Soup into bowls and generously top it with the reserved bacon, more cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Mistakes I’ve made and learned from

I have absolutely learned this recipe the hard way, so you don’t have to. My biggest mistake was rushing the roux, which resulted in a lumpy, pasty base for my Delicious Loaded Potato Soup instead of something silky and smooth. I quickly learned that patience and a constant, gentle whisk are your best friends for a perfect consistency. Another common error I made was boiling the soup after adding the dairy, which sadly caused the milk to curdle and separate. Now, I always keep the heat on low when I incorporate those final creamy ingredients. For more guidance on mastering these crucial techniques, my post on common cooking mistakes breaks it all down. Furthermore, choosing the right type of potato makes a world of difference; a waxy potato will never break down like a starchy one. Honestly, selecting the best ingredients is half the battle, a lesson I explore in my guide to selecting soup ingredients.

n-and-variations">Cultural Connection and Variations

Where this recipe comes from

My grandmother always said a good soup tells a story. Her Delicious Loaded Potato Soup recipe certainly did. She learned it from her mother in the rural Midwest, where they used cellar-stored potatoes and cured bacon to get through harsh winters. Consequently, this dish became a symbol of resourcefulness and warmth. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the Irish might prepare a simpler version with leeks and cream, honoring their own potato heritage. In Germany, they often add sausage and caraway seeds for a heartier, spiced twist. My family’s version, however, always involved a generous handful of sharp cheddar and a dollop of sour cream. Ultimately, every culture and kitchen puts its own stamp on this classic comfort food. This particular Delicious Loaded Potato Soup recipe carries that legacy of adaptation and heart.

How it fits in today’s cooking

This soup absolutely thrives in modern kitchens. Busy home cooks love it because they can prepare a big batch for easy weeknight dinners. Furthermore, it fits perfectly into our current love for customizable, interactive meals. Everyone can top their bowl just how they like it. For instance, it makes a fantastic starter for a special holiday dinner, much like a classic prime rib feast. Additionally, contemporary cooks often lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or by adding cauliflower for extra nutrients. It remains a timeless favorite because it delivers deep comfort without fuss. Similarly, its crowd-pleasing nature makes it ideal for game day, pairing wonderfully with other shareable favorites like bacon wrapped chicken bites. Ultimately, this soup seamlessly bridges tradition and today’s cooking trends.

Taste and Texture

What makes it delicious

This Delicious Loaded Potato Soup wraps you in a warm, creamy embrace from the very first spoonful. Silky smooth potatoes create a rich and velvety base that perfectly carries the savory, salty punch of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Furthermore, a hint of fresh chives adds a bright, oniony fragrance that cuts through the decadence. Each mouthful is a comforting symphony of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors, making this soup an unforgettable experience. Ultimately, the classic Delicious Loaded Potato Soup delivers a perfect balance of hearty comfort and robust flavor in every single bowl.

r">Boosting the flavor

Transform your soup into a masterpiece with a few creative tweaks. For instance, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end to add a delightful tangy creaminess. Alternatively, top your bowl with crispy fried shallots or a handful of zesty pickled jalapeños for a fantastic crunch and heat. Moreover, a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of our homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning introduces a wonderful new layer of savory depth. Finally, serve your soup alongside a warm, buttery piece of Cheddar Bay Biscuits for the ultimate comforting and flavorful meal.

Tips for Success

Best practices for results

Always use starchy potatoes like Russets for your Delicious Loaded Potato Soup, as they break down beautifully to create a creamy texture. Furthermore, cook your bacon until it is perfectly crispy before crumbling it on top for a satisfying crunch. Additionally, shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. For the ultimate flavor, generously garnish each bowl with fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream right before serving.

>Mistakes to avoid

One common error is boiling the potatoes in the broth, which can actually make them waterlogged and dilute the flavor; instead, try simmering them gently to preserve their taste. Moreover, many home cooks accidentally scorch the soup base by using too high of heat; consequently, you must keep the temperature at a low simmer after adding the dairy. If you find your soup is too thin, you can easily thicken it using a method from our guide on how to thicken soup. Finally, do not add all of your toppings at once during the cooking process; for instance, reserve most of the bacon and cheese for garnish to maintain their perfect texture, much like you would when preparing a perfect baked potato.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

How to serve this dish

Present your Delicious Loaded Potato Soup in a deep, rustic bowl to create a cozy and inviting feel. For a beautiful finish, generously top each serving with a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of crisp bacon bits, and a bright flourish of fresh chives. Furthermore, this hearty Delicious Loaded Potato Soup makes a perfect centerpiece for a casual family dinner or a comforting starter on a chilly holiday evening. You can even serve it in a bread bowl for a truly unforgettable and interactive dining experience that guests will absolutely love.

What goes well with it

A crisp, refreshing side salad perfectly cuts through the rich creaminess of this soup. For instance, our classic Classic Caesar Salad offers a fantastic crunch and tangy flavor that wonderfully complements each spoonful. Additionally, no soup meal is complete without something warm and crusty for dipping. Consequently, we highly recommend serving a basket of our favorite Garlic Herb Focaccia on the side to soak up every last bit. Finally, for a drink pairing, a crisp lager or a chilled glass of pale ale provides a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate beautifully between bites.

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What are the best toppings for loaded potato soup?

The best toppings for Delicious Loaded Potato Soup are the classic baked potato fixings. Shredded cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon, chopped fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream are essential. You can also add extra black pepper or green onions for more flavor.

How do you thicken loaded potato soup?

You can thicken Delicious Loaded Potato Soup by using a roux made from butter and flour at the beginning of the recipe. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water at the end of cooking.

ank-math-faq-item"> Can you freeze potato soup?

Yes, you can freeze potato soup, but the texture of the potatoes and dairy may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool the soup completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove, stirring often.

What to serve with loaded potato soup?

Loaded potato soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or a crusty bread like a French baguette or dinner rolls. For a true comfort food experience, a simple grilled cheese sandwich also makes a perfect dipping companion.

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