Loaded Potato Soup: A Creamy Comfort Food Recipe You’ll Love

Loaded Potato Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds. As the chilly weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of this creamy delight to bring a sense of coziness to your home. Originating from the heart of American cuisine, this soup has become a beloved staple in many households, often served at family gatherings and potlucks. The rich combination of tender potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more.

People adore Loaded Potato Soup not just for its delicious taste, but also for its creamy texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty meal on its own or as a side dish, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that promises to bring joy and satisfaction to your dining table!

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Preparing the Base

1. **Heat the Olive Oil**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will be the base for our soup, so make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the next ingredients. 2. **Sauté the Onions**: Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent them from browning too much. 3. **Add Garlic**: Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. 4. **Incorporate the Potatoes**: Now, it’s time to add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them in with the onions and garlic, allowing them to absorb some of the flavors for about 2-3 minutes. 5. **Pour in the Broth**: Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Make sure the potatoes are fully submerged. If you need more liquid, feel free to add a bit of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. 6. **Season the Soup**: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika if you’re using them. These spices will enhance the flavor of the soup. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Blending the Soup

7. **Check Potato Tenderness**: After 20 minutes, check the potatoes with a fork. They should be soft and easily pierced. If they’re not quite there, give them a few more minutes. 8. **Blend the Soup**: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. I like to leave a few chunks for texture, but you can blend it completely smooth if you prefer. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be cautious with the hot liquid! 9. **Stir in the Cream**: Once blended, return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. This will give the soup a rich and creamy texture. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Adding the Cheddar and Sour Cream

10. **Incorporate the Cheese**: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until it melts completely. This will add a wonderful cheesy flavor to the soup. 11. **Mix in the Sour Cream**: Next, add the sour cream. Stir well to combine, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout the soup. This will add a nice tanginess that balances the richness. 12. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning**: At this point, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick!

Finishing Touches

13. **Prepare the Toppings**: While the soup is simmering, prepare your toppings. Crumble the cooked bacon and chop the green onions. These will add a delightful crunch and freshness to the finished dish. 14. **Serve the Soup**: Ladle the loaded potato soup into bowls. I like to serve it hot, right off the stove. 15. **Add Toppings**: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, a handful of shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions. You can also add a dash of paprika for color if you like. 16. **Enjoy**: Grab a spoon and dig in! This loaded potato soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a hearty meal for family and friends.

Storage and Reheating

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Conclusion:

In summary, this Loaded Potato Soup is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to warm their hearts and bellies with a comforting bowl of goodness. The creamy texture, combined with the rich flavors of bacon, cheese, and green onions, creates a delightful experience that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick. I encourage you to give this recipe a shot and make it your own. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty meal on a chilly evening or as a side dish at your next gathering, this Loaded Potato Soup is bound to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how you made it unique or any variations you tried. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret diving into this deliciously satisfying soup.

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