Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty, Creamy, and Bursting with Flavor!

If you're craving a rich, comforting meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, look no further than a classic loaded potato soup. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and topped with all the best fixings, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It's an easy recipe to whip up for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a casual get-together. Read on for the complete recipe, tips, and variations to make this loaded potato soup exactly how you like it!

What is Loaded Potato Soup?

Loaded potato soup is the soup version of your favorite loaded baked potato, featuring creamy, velvety potatoes as the base and topped with all the delicious baked potato fixings: bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. It’s a thick and filling soup, perfect for warming you up on chilly days. The best part is, this recipe is highly customizable—add your favorite toppings or tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Ingredients List for Loaded Potato Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting loaded potato soup:

• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Shredded cheese and extra bacon, for garnish

Ingredients List for Loaded Potato Soup (Optional Add-Ons)

To take your loaded potato soup to the next level, here are some optional ingredients you might want to include:

• Diced ham or sausage for extra protein
• Chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat
• Grated Parmesan cheese for added depth
• Chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for more flavor
• A dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick
• Croutons or crispy fried onions for crunch

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of loaded potato soup is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences:

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk, cream, and cheese for dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free shredded cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some diced veggies like carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener.
• Low-Calorie Version: Use low-fat milk and sour cream, and reduce the amount of cheese and bacon, or use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Loaded Sweet Potato Soup: Swap out the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more nutrient-dense version of this soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started! Follow these steps carefully to make the perfect loaded potato soup from scratch:

1. Cook the Bacon: Begin by frying the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the bacon grease in the pot (about 1-2 tablespoons), as it will add flavor to the soup.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon grease and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Add the Potatoes: Toss in the diced potatoes, and stir them with the onion and garlic mixture until they are coated in flavor. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Make the Cream Base: While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, set it aside.
6. Blend the Soup (Optional): Once the potatoes are soft, you can choose to blend some or all of the soup for a creamier texture. Use an immersion blender for a smooth finish or leave some chunks for a more rustic feel. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender and pulse until smooth.
7. Add the Cheese and Sour Cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and combined. At this point, pour in the milk and cream mixture to create a rich, creamy base for the soup. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. Crumble the cooked bacon on top and stir it into the soup, saving some for garnish.

How to Cook Loaded Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the key steps for making loaded potato soup:

1. Cook the bacon until crispy and reserve the grease for flavor.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic to build the flavor base.
3. Add diced potatoes and broth, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Create a creamy roux with butter, flour, milk, and cream.
5. Blend the soup to your desired consistency—either chunky or smooth.
6. Incorporate the cheese and sour cream for that iconic loaded potato flavor.
7. Finish with bacon and garnishes for the perfect finishing touch!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making loaded potato soup, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes for too long, they can become mushy. Be sure to simmer just until they are tender.
• Curdling the dairy: To prevent the milk and cream from curdling, avoid adding them to boiling soup. Keep the soup at a simmer and stir gently when adding the dairy products.
• Not blending carefully: If you choose to blend the soup, avoid blending too much, or you’ll lose the texture. Leaving some chunks of potato adds to the heartiness of the soup.
• Skipping the roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is essential for thickening the soup. Skipping this step could result in a thinner soup that doesn’t have the same richness.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your loaded potato soup is done, it’s all about the toppings! Here are some presentation and serving ideas to make your soup extra special:

• Top with extra bacon and cheese: Sprinkle crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions over each bowl before serving.
• Bread Bowl: For a fun and hearty presentation, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
• Garnish creatively: Try adding a dollop of sour cream, a swirl of cream, or even a drizzle of olive oil for added visual appeal.
• Pair with sides: Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a simple side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded potato soup is versatile and can be served in several ways:

• As a main course: Serve the soup in large bowls with plenty of toppings, along with crusty bread or a side salad.
• As a starter: Offer smaller portions as an appetizer before the main meal.
• For meal prep: This soup stores well and reheats beautifully. You can make it ahead for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Potato Soup

Here are a few creative ways to present your loaded potato soup:

• Individual Crocks: Serve the soup in individual oven-safe crocks and top with cheese before broiling until bubbly.
• Mini Tasting Cups: Serve smaller portions in shot glasses or mini cups for a party or appetizer.
• Top it Tableside: Set out a topping station with bowls of bacon, cheese, green onions, and sour cream, allowing guests to customize their bowls.

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Tips

To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

• Use starchy potatoes like russet potatoes for a creamy texture. Yukon gold potatoes also work well.
• Cook bacon until crispy for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Blend carefully to control the texture—smooth or chunky is up to you.
• Adjust consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or milk to thin it out.
• Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead and reheating before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze loaded potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, dairy-based soups can sometimes separate upon thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop and stir well to recombine any separated ingredients.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile, giving the soup a slight sweetness. Just follow the same steps in the recipe.

How can I make this soup healthier?
You can make this soup healthier by using low-fat dairy, turkey bacon, and adding extra veggies like spinach or kale.

How long will the soup keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, loaded potato soup will keep for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Loaded potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with all your favorite toppings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this soup is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Customize it with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy the comforting flavors in every spoonful. Try this recipe today for a cozy, satisfying meal!

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