Loaded Potato Soup

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty bowl of loaded potato soup. As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, I remember cozy evenings spent in the kitchen, with the rich aroma of potatoes and broth filling my home. This simple yet fulfilling dish brings back memories of family gatherings and the laughter shared over a steaming bowl.

Loaded potato soup transforms four basic ingredients into a creamy, dreamy delight. With a mix of fresh potatoes, savory chicken broth, and a touch of cream, each spoonful feels like a warm hug. Imagine the excitement we felt as the bacon sizzled in the pan, promising a crunchy topping that would elevate this comforting recipe. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a moment of connection, a chance to gather around the table, and a reminder of the power of good food made with love.

With its blend of flavors and textures, loaded potato soup becomes a family favorite that’s hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it on a snowy day or as a treat after a long week, it satisfies the soul and warms the heart. Let’s explore how to create this delicious masterpiece together.

Loaded Potato Soup Basics

Fundamentals

Loaded potato soup revolves around a few simple ingredients: potatoes, chicken broth, and cream. These staples create a rich, velvety base that enhances the comforting nature of the dish. Each potato contributes a unique texture, allowing for a lovely blend of creamy and chunky in every bite.

Choosing the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes such as russets. They’re perfect for mashing and yield a creamy texture. Their high starch content ensures the soup thickens beautifully, creating that luscious mouthfeel we all crave.

Chicken Broth: Using good-quality chicken broth makes a significant difference. The broth infuses the potatoes with flavor, setting the stage for a deeply satisfying soup. If you have homemade broth, now is the time to shine with it!

Preparation/Setup

Preparing loaded potato soup requires minimal prep work, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking. Next, gather your other ingredients: chicken broth, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

Tools You’ll Need: An ample pot is crucial for this recipe. A potato masher will help achieve the desired thickness. Keep everything handy to streamline the cooking process, allowing you to focus on creating this delightful soup without distractions.

Ingredients

To make this loaded potato soup, you’ll need the following:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Mix well and cook until cheese is melted.
3. Use a potato masher to slightly mash the soup for thickness while leaving some chunks of potato.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Mastering Loaded Potato Soup

Technique

To achieve the perfect loaded potato soup, mastering a few techniques is essential. You’ll want to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly for a consistent texture. Keep an eye on them while they simmer; overcooking can lead to mushy potatoes.

Mashing for Texture: When you use a potato masher, apply gentle pressure to create a creamy base while allowing some chunks to remain. This technique adds depth to the soup, making every spoonful vibrant and satisfying.

Tips/Tricks

Achieving the best loaded potato soup requires a few handy tips. The key to a flavorful broth lies in simmering the potatoes until they are just tender. This step helps infuse the flavor while maintaining the potatoes’ shape.

Cheese Matters: Opt for good-quality cheddar cheese to elevate the soup. Its melting properties contribute to the overall creaminess, ensuring every bite is delightful.

Smoky Flavor: For those who enjoy a smoky kick, consider adding smoked bacon. The added flavor balances the richness of the cream beautifully, making this loaded potato soup an unforgettable experience.

Perfecting Your Soup

Perfecting Results

To perfect loaded potato soup, remember that personal touches create the best flavors. Adjust the amount of cheese or add fresh herbs to enhance the soup to your palate. Experimenting with different toppings can also elevate your dish.

Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes. For thinner broth, add a bit more chicken broth or cream. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to suit your taste.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If the soup is too thick, simply stir in additional broth until it reaches your desired consistency. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can also add a delightful zing, appealing to those who enjoy a little heat.

Variations: Consider mixing in vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition. They not only enhance the flavor profile but also provide delightful texture to your loaded potato soup.

Serving Your Loaded Potato Soup

Serving/Presentation

When it comes to serving loaded potato soup, presentation plays a big role. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving generously with green onions—these add a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of additional cheese or bacon on top can create an eye-catching finish.

Pairings/Storage

This soup pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or crusty bread, making a hearty meal. You can also enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables, balancing the richness of the soup.

Storage: Leftover loaded potato soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop. If the soup thickens too much, add a little extra broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Loaded potato soup stands out as a comforting classic that deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served at a gathering, this dish brings warmth and joy to any table.

Loaded Potato Soup

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Carnivore

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Description

A hearty and creamy loaded potato soup perfect for autumn, featuring potatoes, chicken broth, and toppings like cheddar cheese and bacon.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Mix well and cook until cheese is melted.
3. Use a potato masher to slightly mash the soup for thickness while leaving some chunks of potato.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Notes

For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon. You can adjust the thickness of the soup by mashing more potatoes or adding more broth/cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: soup, potato soup, comfort food, loaded potato soup