Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

If you're craving something rich, creamy, and utterly comforting, a Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect dish. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and topped with sour cream and green onions, this hearty soup is a family favorite that will warm your soul on even the coldest days. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredients and variations to common mistakes to avoid, so you can create the ultimate loaded potato soup at home. Get ready to treat your taste buds!

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What is Loaded Potato Soup?

Loaded Potato Soup is a creamy soup made from tender potatoes and flavored with ingredients commonly found in a loaded baked potato — like cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions. This indulgent dish takes everything you love about a baked potato and transforms it into a comforting soup that's perfect for lunch or dinner. The richness of the soup is balanced by the sharpness of cheddar cheese and the saltiness of bacon, making every bite deliciously flavorful.

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Ingredients List for Loaded Potato Soup

To make this creamy, decadent soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Russet Potatoes – 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2. Bacon – 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
3. Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4. Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
5. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
6. Chicken Broth – 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
7. Heavy Cream – 1 cup for extra creaminess (or whole milk if you prefer)
8. Butter – 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
9. Flour – 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (for thickening)
10. Sour Cream – ½ cup for added tang
11. Green Onions – 3 green onions, chopped for garnish
12. Salt and Black Pepper – To taste
13. Paprika – ½ teaspoon for a touch of smoky flavor
14. Chives (optional) – For garnish

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Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Loaded Potato Soup lies in its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:

1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to replicate the smokiness of bacon.
2. Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use almond or coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese and sour cream.
3. Add Protein: If you want to make the soup heartier, you can add grilled chicken or crumbled sausage to the soup.
4. Low-Carb Option: To reduce the carbs, replace some or all of the potatoes with cauliflower. You'll still get a creamy consistency, but with fewer carbohydrates.
5. Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
6. Extra Vegetables: To add more nutrients, you can toss in vegetables like carrots, celery, or even broccoli. Dice them small so they blend into the soup’s texture.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the heart of the recipe. Follow these easy steps to create a bowl of loaded potato soup that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble the bacon once cooled and set aside for garnish.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Remove excess bacon grease from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your soup.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Blend the Soup (Optional)

For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. You can also remove a portion of the soup, blend it in a traditional blender, and then return it to the pot. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.

Step 7: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 8: Add Sour Cream and Season

Stir in the sour cream for added tanginess. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped chives if desired.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though making Loaded Potato Soup is fairly simple, here are a few mistakes to watch out for to ensure your soup turns out perfectly:

1. Overcooking the Potatoes: If the potatoes cook for too long, they can become mushy and break apart. Aim for a tender texture that holds its shape.
2. Curdling the Cream: When adding the heavy cream, make sure the soup is not boiling, as this can cause the cream to curdle. Lower the heat before adding any dairy products.
3. Not Thickening the Soup: Skipping the roux (the butter and flour mixture) can lead to a soup that’s too thin. The roux is crucial for achieving that thick, creamy consistency.
4. Not Blending Enough: If you prefer a super creamy soup, don’t be afraid to blend a portion of the soup. Blending just half will give you the perfect balance of creamy and chunky textures.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Loaded Potato Soup, it’s all about the toppings and presentation. Here are a few tips to make your dish look just as good as it tastes:

1. Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread or breadsticks make the perfect side for soaking up the rich broth. Sourdough or a rustic French loaf is ideal.
2. Top Generously: Don’t skimp on the toppings! The crispy bacon, extra cheddar, and fresh green onions really elevate the dish, both in flavor and presentation.
3. Use Bread Bowls: For a creative presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. Not only does this look impressive, but the bread also absorbs the soup’s flavors, making it extra delicious.
4. Add Color: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a burst of color and freshness to each bowl.

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How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded Potato Soup can be served as a main course, thanks to its hearty nature. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or a side of garlic bread to round out the meal. This soup is also great for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together.

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Presentation Ideas for Loaded Potato Soup

For a beautiful presentation, consider these creative ideas:

1. Layered Toppings: Layer the garnishes, starting with shredded cheese, followed by bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream right in the center. This creates a visually appealing bowl that mimics a loaded baked potato.
2. Swirl of Sour Cream: Use a small spoon or a piping bag to swirl the sour cream on top of the soup for an elegant touch.
3. Bacon "Crumble" Finish: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on the rim of the bowl to add a gourmet feel to the dish.

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Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This soup is a great make-ahead meal. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out, as it will thicken over time.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup without the dairy products. Make the base with potatoes, broth, and vegetables, and freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it, heat it up, and then add the cream, cheese, and sour cream before serving.
• Blending: If using a blender, be cautious with hot liquids. Blend in batches and leave some room in the blender to avoid spills or explosions from the heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, while russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly creamier consistency.

2. Can I freeze Loaded Potato Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup before adding the dairy. Dairy tends to separate when frozen, so add the cheese, cream, and sour cream after thawing and reheating.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Add all ingredients except for the cream, cheese, and sour cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the dairy products before serving.

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Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the richness of a creamy broth with the savory toppings of a loaded baked potato. Whether you're serving it on a chilly evening or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go in no time. So gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of loaded potato goodness!

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