Loaded Potato Soup

A comforting bowl of loaded potato soup brings back memories of chilly nights spent huddled around the table with loved ones. This soup captures the essence of home and hearth, delivering warmth and a sense of togetherness. Each spoonful is a reminder of how food can connect us, making even the simplest moments feel special.

Loaded potato soup stands out for its creamy texture and rich flavors. The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and melted cheese creates a delightful harmony that satisfies every craving. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet remains straightforward to make, perfect for any occasion.

The beauty of loaded potato soup lies in its versatility. You can dress it up with your favorite toppings or keep it simple. The traditional flavors leave room for experimentation, allowing creativity to shine through. It’s an ideal dish for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Let’s dive into the details of crafting this comforting loaded potato soup. You’ll quickly discover that combining a few humble ingredients can yield something extraordinary. The steps are simple, and once you master them, this warm dish will become a staple in your home.

Loaded Potato Soup

Fundamentals

Loaded potato soup captures the essence of comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavorful ingredients that make it the ultimate cozy meal. This dish showcases how food can be both comforting and satisfying. The base of the soup features diced potatoes combined with savory elements that offer depth and richness.

Whenever you prepare loaded potato soup, remember the importance of quality ingredients. Choose potatoes that are fresh and firm, as they contribute to the soup’s texture and flavor. The choice of cheese also impacts the final result, allowing you to customize and personalize this dish.

Preparation/setup

Begin by gathering all your ingredients for loaded potato soup. You will need four large potatoes, four slices of bacon, one onion, four cups of chicken broth, one cup of shredded cheese, one cup of milk, and seasonings. Preparation is key; peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and ensure the bacon is chopped too. This step sets the foundation for a smooth cooking process.

Using a large pot helps create even heat distribution, ensuring the bacon cooks perfectly and releases its flavorful drippings. Prepare your workspace by having everything within reach, which makes the cooking experience enjoyable and efficient.

Ingredients

For loaded potato soup, the ingredients matter greatly. Start with four large potatoes, peeled and diced. Choose a type of potato that suits your preference, but Russet or Yukon Gold works best for texture and flavor. Add four slices of chopped bacon to bring in richness and savory notes.

Onions bring an aromatic quality to the soup; thus, you’ll need one chopped onion. For the broth, four cups of chicken broth provide a fragrant base, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile. One cup of shredded cheese, whether cheddar or your favorite variety, adds creaminess and a delightful finish. Incorporate one cup of milk for a beautiful texture, and don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Finally, chives or green onions can serve as an optional garnish, bringing a fresh touch.

Directions

Start making your loaded potato soup by cooking the chopped bacon in the large pot over medium heat until it turns crispy. As it cooks, the bacon releases grease, which becomes a flavor base for the soup. Once done, remove the crispy bacon and set it aside. Leave the delicious drippings in the pot.

Next, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent. This step develops the onion’s sweetness and creates an aromatic foundation for the soup. Afterward, incorporate the diced potatoes and pour in the four cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes become tender.

To achieve the desired thickness, mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This technique creates a creamy consistency while maintaining some potato chunks for texture. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese until everything melts together, resulting in a creamy and delicious loaded potato soup.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and optional chives or green onions.

Techniques for Perfecting Loaded Potato Soup

Technique

When you prepare loaded potato soup, technique plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Focus on not overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking. Cook the bacon until crispy, allowing the fat to render properly. This fat will enhance the flavor of the entire soup.

Sauté the onions until they soften and turn translucent. This process enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the overall dish. Make sure when adding the diced potatoes and chicken broth, you bring the mixture to boil gently to lock in the flavors.

Tips/tricks

Using a potato masher or fork to mash some of the potatoes allows for a creamy soup without completely blending it. Adjust the creaminess based on personal preference—mash more for a thicker texture or less for more chunkiness.

If you crave additional flavors, add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce while it simmers. Experiment with herbs like thyme or parsley to infuse a different flavor profile.

Perfecting Results with Loaded Potato Soup

Perfecting results

To achieve the most delicious loaded potato soup, taste and adjust throughout the cooking process. Early seasoning leaves room for fine-tuning flavors. Ensure the potatoes reach a tender consistency to enhance the mouthfeel of the soup.

Melt the cheese at the end of the cooking process. Cheese can become stringy if cooked too long, so add it right before serving to maintain that creamy texture.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more chicken broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, mash more potato chunks to thicken it. There’s room for creativity; consider adding ingredients like corn or carrots for extra flavor and texture.

Feel free to personalize this soup further by adding spices like paprika or cumin for a touch of heat.

Serving and Storing Loaded Potato Soup

Serving/presentation

When serving loaded potato soup, present it beautifully for that wow factor. Use bowls that hold heat well and sprinkle the garnishes artfully on top. The combination of crisp bacon bits and chives or green onions creates an appealing look while enhancing flavors.

Pair the soup with crusty bread or warm rolls for a satisfying meal. The contrasting textures elevate the overall experience.

Pairings/storage

Loaded potato soup pairs generously with a green salad for a balanced meal. Choose dressings that add brightness, like a tangy vinaigrette, to contrast with the rich flavors of the soup.

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the desired consistency.

Perfecting loaded potato soup is all about the principles behind its ingredients and the techniques used. This dish not only warms the body but nourishes the soul, making it a cherished recipe in any kitchen.

Loaded Potato Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Comfort Food

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Description

A comforting bowl of loaded potato soup filled with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and melted cheese for a cozy meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, then set aside and leave the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in the bacon drippings until translucent.
3. Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth, bringing to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
4. Mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup.
5. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon and optional chives or green onions.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or mashing more potatoes. Customize with additional spices or toppings as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: potato soup, comfort food, loaded baked potato