Soup Series: Loaded Potato Soup 🥣
This creamy and delicious loaded potato soup is the perfect meal for a cold evening. Warms you from the outside in and leaves you feeling cozy and full! This will quickly become a family favorite!
My grocery order was missing the green onion but I would highly recommend added that or chives to the top!
Ingredients: 🥔🧀
8 potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
1 yellow onion, finely diced
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 lb of bacon cut into pieces
4 tablespoons of butter
2 cups of milk
1 cup of heavy cream
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour,
3 cups cup of chicken stock (or more as needed for consistency)
salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
sour cream for topping
chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions 🧑🍳
Peel and cut potatoes into chunks, boil until fork tender and drain.
Meanwhile dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bacon.
Cook the diced bacon in a heavy pot over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces, and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Leave about 3-4 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the diced onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and softened. Season with salt and pepper.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt. Whisk in the 4 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Cook for about two minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in 3 cups of chicken stock, followed by the milk and heavy cream, mixing well so no flour lumps remain. Bring to a light boil.
Add the remaining seasonings and the drained potatoes to the pot. Use a masher or immersion blender to partially mash the potatoes, leaving some larger and smaller chunks for texture. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the cooked bacon bits. You can add a little chicken stock if the soup needs thinned out.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, the reserved bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh chives or green onion and enjoy!
Loaded potato soup is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction, especially during chilly weather. This soup combines tender potatoes with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy broth that creates a perfectly balanced dish. To enhance the soup's texture and flavor, it’s important to partially mash the potatoes rather than blend them completely, allowing for a pleasing mixture of smooth and chunky textures that make every spoonful interesting. Using a roux made with butter and flour is key to giving the soup a thick, velvety consistency without needing heavy cream alone. Incorporating chicken stock adds depth to the flavor, while the seasoning of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper elevates the taste profile, providing a subtle smoky and savory background. Adding fresh chives or green onions as a garnish not only brightens the flavor but also adds a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing. The inclusion of sour cream on top introduces a tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and bacon. For those looking to customize this recipe, consider substituting the bacon with turkey bacon or adding vegetables like corn or celery for added texture and nutrition. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a weekend, loaded potato soup is versatile and forgiving, allowing cooks to adapt the ingredients based on what they have in their pantry while still achieving a delicious and hearty dish. Keep in mind that making loaded potato soup in larger batches is an efficient way to enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop adding a splash of milk or stock if it thickens too much. This ensures a creamy texture every time. Enjoy the cozy feeling this creamy and delicious loaded potato soup provides, making it a welcomed addition to your recipe collection.
