This loaded potato soup is creamy, warm, and full of flavor! With rich potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days.
Not to mention, it’s easy to make! I love how a big bowl of this hearty soup can make any day feel a little brighter—plus, who doesn’t love bacon? 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: It adds a lovely smokiness and crunch. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey bacon or pancetta work well too. For a vegetarian option, you can use smoked paprika to provide a similar flavor.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect since they create a fluffy texture. You could also use Yukon Gold for a creamier soup or red potatoes, but keep the skins on for added color and nutrients!
Cheese: Cheddar is the star here, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or a sharp white cheddar can add a different depth. Vegan cheese options are also available for a dairy-free version.
Sour Cream: This is traditionally used for creaminess. For a lighter choice, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute, giving you that tangy kick without all the fat.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture?
The key to a lovely creamy soup is the blending step. If you want more texture, you can blend just half of the soup and mix it back in. Always be careful when transferring hot soup to a blender; let it cool slightly to avoid spills!
- Blend the soup when it’s bubbling—this ensures a smooth consistency with potato chunks.
- Start with low speed, then increase to high to break down the potatoes evenly.
- Don’t over-blend if you want to keep some chunks for a hearty feel!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious pot of loaded potato soup ready to warm you up. Enjoy! 😊
Loaded Potato Soup With Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (adjust for desired soup thickness)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious loaded potato soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, so you should be enjoying your comforting bowl in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for added flavor!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and give it another minute of cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Create the Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Add Potatoes and Broth:
Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes next. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
5. Blend for Creaminess:
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup to your desired creaminess—leave some chunks for texture! If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a traditional blender, puree it, and then return it to the pot.
6. Stir in the Good Stuff:
Mix in the milk or cream, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Heat gently until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through. Be sure to taste and add salt and pepper as needed!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, and top with crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese, and some fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. It’s time to dig in and enjoy your hearty loaded potato soup!
Bon appétit! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes create a fluffy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier soup or even red potatoes for added color and nutrients. Just be sure to peel them if you prefer a smoother texture!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a bit of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon provides.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens up too much!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and add a little extra milk or cream if needed for creaminess!