Loaded Potato Soup: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe with 10 Ingredients

Loaded Potato Soup is a comforting dish that will warm your soul. This rich and creamy soup is brimming with flavors and textures, promising to delight your palate and fill your heart with joy. Picture this: velvety potatoes simmered to perfection, mixed with aromatic herbs, and then generously topped with crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and fresh green onions. It's not just soup; it's a bowl of happiness!

If you love hearty, satisfying meals that are simple to prepare, then Loaded Potato Soup is for you. It’s an incredible way to make use of pantry staples while also impressing your family or guests with a cozy homemade dish. In this guide, you’ll discover why you’ll adore this recipe, what you need to prepare it, and step-by-step instructions to create your bowl of delicious soup. Whether it's a chilly day or you're just in the mood for something comforting, Loaded Potato Soup will definitely become your go-to recipe!

With its creamy texture and aromatic profile, this soup combines the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato into an easy-to-make soup form. The timeless appeal of Loaded Potato Soup is that it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. As you delve into the details of this incredible recipe, expect to be inspired to create a delightful bowl of goodness for yourself and loved ones.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing Loaded Potato Soup is straightforward and will take about 40-45 minutes total. Here's how the time breaks down:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

This quick timeline means you can easily whip up a delicious pot of soup even on a busy weeknight!

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sour cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a delicious batch of Loaded Potato Soup is easy with these simple steps:

1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher, gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup while leaving some chunks for texture.
6. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and stir well. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Stir until the soup is creamy and well-combined.
7. Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
8. Add Bacon: Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, saving some for topping later. Let the flavors meld for an additional 5 minutes on low heat.
9. Garnish: Remove the pot from heat, and serve the soup hot, garnished with the remaining bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.
10. Optional Toppings: Consider adding a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy taste.

Following these steps will lead you to a bowl full of delicious Loaded Potato Soup that is sure to satisfy!

How to Serve

Serving Loaded Potato Soup can enhance the entire dining experience. Here are some suggestions to present this comforting dish beautifully:

1. Presentation: Use rustic bowls or oversized mugs to create a cozy feel. Garnish generously with bacon, cheese, and green onions for an appealing look.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
3. Slice Size: Consider offering smaller portions for guests to try and entice them to come back for seconds.
4. Beverage Pairing: This soup pairs wonderfully with a light white wine, apple cider, or even a refreshing iced tea.
5. Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding more cream or broth if it thickens too much.

By thoughtfully serving Loaded Potato Soup, you can turn meal time into a memorable occasion, bringing warmth and smiles to your table!

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh potatoes, and check that your broth is low-sodium for added control over flavor.
• Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add herbs and spices such as thyme or smoked paprika for an additional depth of flavor.
• Add Veggies: Consider incorporating carrots or celery in the sauté mix. This not only adds flavor but boosts nutrients as well.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to experiment with these exciting variations:

1. Loaded Veggie Option: Swap out half of the potatoes for cauliflower for a lighter version that’s still creamy.
2. Chili-Infused: Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist that warms you up from the inside.
3. Vegan Loaded Potato Soup: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and replace cheese and bacon with plant-based alternatives.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep Loaded Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions of the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out any dairy when freezing. Add it in fresh when you reheat for the best texture.

Special Equipment

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the following tools:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Potato masher or immersion blender for desired texture
• Cutting board and sharp knife for chopping
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Conclusion

Loaded Potato Soup is more than just a dish; it embodies comfort and warmth in a bowl. This delightful recipe, with its creamy texture and rich flavor, will not only satisfy your cravings but also bring a smile to the faces of everyone at your table. Whether you follow the recipe as is or play with the variations, one thing is for sure: this soup is bound to become a cherished favorite in your home. So grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the heartwarming goodness of Loaded Potato Soup today!