Name: Amazing Loaded Potato Soup: 5 Stars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, extra cheese, extra bacon

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Oh, you guys, I am SO excited to share this recipe with you! There’s just nothing quite like a big, steaming bowl of creamy, hearty Loaded Potato Soup on a chilly evening. Seriously, it’s my go-to comfort food, and this version? It’s the one. It’s so rich and satisfying, and the way it just hugs you from the inside… pure magic. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it just a little bit each time, and I finally landed on *the* perfect balance of flavors and that lusciously smooth texture.

Why This Loaded Potato Soup is Your New Favorite

You’re going to love this Loaded Potato Soup because it hits all the right notes:

It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a weeknight!
The flavor is just incredible – super rich and satisfying.
It’s totally customizable, so you can load it up just how you like it.

Quick Prep, Big Flavor Potatoes

Seriously, you can have this hearty soup on the table in under an hour! We’re using simple, good-quality ingredients that come together fast. The potatoes cook down beautifully, making everything so creamy without fuss. It’s proof that delicious comfort food doesn’t need to take all day.

Customizable Comfort Food

This isn’t just any potato soup; it’s *loaded* potato soup for a reason! That means you get to be the boss of your bowl. Pile on extra cheese, crispy bacon, fresh chives, a dollop of sour cream – whatever makes your heart sing. It’s the perfect blank canvas for your favorite toppings!

Gather Your Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make the absolute best Loaded Potato Soup, you’ll want to grab a few key players. The quality of your ingredients really shines through here, so I always go for the good stuff. We’re talking about fluffy Russet potatoes that break down perfectly, a nice big onion, and of course, plenty of cheese and crispy bacon. It’s all about building those layers of flavor!

Essential Produce and Dairy

Start with about 2 pounds of good old Russet potatoes – peel those babies and chop them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Grab one large yellow onion and get it finely chopped, and then mince up about 3 cloves of garlic. For the creamy factor, we’ll need 2 cups of milk and a cup of heavy cream. Make sure that milk is whole milk if you can – it makes a difference!

Flavor Builders and Toppings

You can’t have loaded potato soup without the *loaded* part! We’ll need about 4 slices of bacon, cooked until nice and crispy and then crumbled. For that cheesy goodness, about a half cup of shredded cheddar cheese is perfect. And for the base? 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make our roux. Oh, and don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! For toppings, think sour cream, fresh chives, extra cheese, or more bacon – whatever your heart desires!

How to Make the Best Loaded Potato Soup

Okay, get ready, because making this Loaded Potato Soup is actually super straightforward. It’s all about building those layers of flavor and getting that perfect creamy texture. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every single step so yours turns out amazing!

Building the Flavor Base

First things first, grab a big, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Melt that butter over medium heat – you want it nice and hot but not smoking. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for them to get nice and translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can really smell it. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Now, stir in the flour and cook for one minute, constantly stirring. This makes a quick roux that’ll thicken our soup beautifully.

Simmering and Blending for Creaminess

Now for the magic! Gradually whisk in your chicken broth and milk. Keep whisking so you don’t get any lumps from the flour. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, add in your cubed potatoes. Let it come back to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want those potatoes to be super tender – easily pierced with a fork. Once they’re tender, it’s blending time! Use an immersion blender right in the pot to smooth everything out. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (vent the lid!) and blend until smooth, then pour it back into the pot. Be careful, hot soup splatters! hot soup splatters!

Finishing Touches for Your Loaded Potato Soup

After blending, stir in that glorious heavy cream and your shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is all melted and gooey. You want to heat it through, but please, please don’t let it boil after you add the cream and cheese, or it can get weird. Now, the most important part for *your* perfect soup: taste it! Add salt and black pepper until it tastes just right to you. Give it a final stir, and it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and get ready for the best part – loading it up!

Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Soup Every Time

Making this Loaded Potato Soup is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can take it from great to absolutely unforgettable. These are the things I’ve learned over the years that make sure every bowl is just perfect. Trust me, a little attention to detail goes a long way here!

Achieving the Ideal Consistency

If you like your soup thicker, it’s super easy to adjust! Just use a little less broth when you start, or let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes after blending to let some of the liquid evaporate. That way, you get it just right for your preference.

Elevating the Flavor Profile

While Russets are great, Yukon Golds give an even richer, creamier texture if you want to switch it up. And for a little something extra, a tiny pinch of nutmeg stirred in with the cream and cheese can really make those potato flavors pop!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Potato Soup

Got questions about this amazing Loaded Potato Soup? I’ve got answers! People always ask me about swapping ingredients or how to store leftovers. It’s pretty flexible, which is part of why I love it so much. Let’s dive into some of your most common queries!

Can I Make Loaded Potato Soup Ahead of Time?

Oh yeah, you totally can! This hearty soup is even better the next day. Just let it cool completely, pop it into an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

What are the Best Toppings for Loaded Potato Soup?

This is where the fun really happens! Beyond the classic crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and fresh chives, I LOVE adding a big dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Some people also like a sprinkle of green onions, a dash of hot sauce, or even some crunchy croutons. Get creative!

Serving and Storing Your Loaded Potato Soup

Once your amazing Loaded Potato Soup is ready, serving it up is just as important as making it! And if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), knowing how to store them properly means you can enjoy it again later.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a meal in itself, but it’s extra delightful with some crusty bread for dipping, maybe a simple side salad, or even some garlic bread. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting lunch!

Storage and Reheating

Let that leftover Loaded Potato Soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Avoid boiling!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Loaded Potato Soup

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate for one serving (about 1.5 cups) of this delicious Loaded Potato Soup. It can vary a bit depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you load it up with those tasty toppings! We’re looking at roughly 450 calories, 30g of fat, 15g of protein, and 30g of carbs, but remember, it’s all about that amazing flavor!