Why Make This Recipe
Loaded Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for chilly days. It combines the flavor of creamy potatoes with delicious toppings like cheese and bacon. This soup is easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Plus, it’s a great way to use simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
How to Make Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives or green onions for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, onion, and broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in bowls, topped with crispy bacon and garnish with chives or green onions.
How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup
Serve Loaded Potato Soup warm in bowls. You can add extra toppings like more cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor. Pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Loaded Potato Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Tips to Make Loaded Potato Soup
- For extra flavor, sauté the onion in a little bit of butter before adding the potatoes and broth.
- Add garlic for an extra kick by mixing in minced garlic when cooking the onion.
- If you like a chunkier soup, leave some potato pieces unmashed.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.
Variation
You can make a loaded potato soup with added ingredients such as broccoli, corn, or even sour cream for extra creaminess. Just add these ingredients in the cooking process according to your taste.
FAQs
Can I make Loaded Potato Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use leftover baked potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover baked potatoes can save time. Just peel and dice them, then add them to your broth.
How can I make this soup healthier?
You can use low-fat cream, reduce the cheese, or substitute some of the cream with milk to lower the calories without losing too much creaminess.
Loaded Potato Soup
A comforting and hearty loaded potato soup perfect for chilly days, featuring creamy potatoes and delicious toppings like cheese and bacon.
Main Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with low-fat cream or milk for a healthier version.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Can experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda.)
- 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled (Can skip for a vegetarian version.)
- 1 onion, diced (Sauté in butter for extra flavor if desired.)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives or green onions for garnish
Preparation
- In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, onion, and broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in bowls, topped with crispy bacon and garnish with chives or green onions.
For extra toppings, consider more cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of paprika. Can be served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
