Loaded Potato Soup: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this irresistible Loaded Potato Soup recipe! Forget bland, watery potato soup; this version is a decadent, creamy dream, packed with flavor and topped with all the fixings you crave. Imagine the rich, creamy texture of perfectly blended potatoes, infused with savory garlic and onion, and enhanced by a hint of smoky bacon. Then picture the delightful crunch of crispy bacon bits, the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, and the cool, soothing swirl of sour cream. This Loaded Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, guaranteeing a delicious outcome every time. Get ready to be amazed by the simplicity and irresistible taste of this truly loaded potato soup!

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

This Loaded Potato Soup recipe isn’t just another potato soup; it’s a culinary masterpiece designed to satisfy your deepest cravings. There are so many reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe, and we’re here to highlight just a few. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of savory onions and garlic, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich, creamy base creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. The optional bacon adds a smoky depth that elevates the dish to new heights, while the toppings – cheddar cheese, green onions, and sour cream – provide a textural contrast and a burst of fresh flavors. Secondly, it’s unbelievably easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can confidently whip up a batch of this delicious soup in under an hour. The simple steps and clear instructions make it a breeze to prepare, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize your Loaded Potato Soup to match your personal preferences. Want a vegetarian option? Simply omit the bacon. Looking for a lighter version? Use milk instead of heavy cream. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or spices to create your signature Loaded Potato Soup. And finally, it’s incredibly satisfying. This is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling full and content. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a cozy night in, or any time you need a little pick-me-up. With a single serving you will feel all the benefits of its delicious ingredients. For a similar creamy and comforting experience, you can also check out our Baked Potato Soup recipe!

Why You Should Try This Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

In a world of countless recipes, it’s easy to get lost in the options. But trust us when we say, this Loaded Potato Soup recipe deserves a spot on your must-try list. This isn’t just your average potato soup. It’s a sensory experience. From the first spoonful, you’ll be captivated by the creamy texture, the comforting warmth, and the explosion of flavors. The careful blend of ingredients creates a harmonious balance, where each element complements the others without overpowering the overall taste. It’s also a budget-friendly option. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making this a delicious and economical meal for any occasion. Moreover, it’s a great way to use up leftover potatoes. If you have some potatoes hanging around in your fridge, this recipe is the perfect solution to transform them into a hearty and delicious meal. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this Loaded Potato Soup recipe is perfect for sharing. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a comforting meal with loved ones. This hearty, flavorful soup is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies. Why not give it a try today and see for yourself? You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Loaded Potato Soup

• Main Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a healthy fat base and enhances the flavor of the sauteed onions and garlic.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base to the soup. Use yellow or white onion for the best results.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides that irresistible pungent flavor that makes the soup so flavorful.
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor): The broth forms the base of the soup, providing moisture and flavor. Chicken broth adds a deeper, more savory taste.
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture when cooked. Make sure to cube them consistently for even cooking.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and brings balance to the soup. Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spiciness and complexity to the soup. Adjust to your preference.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version): Heavy cream makes the soup luxuriously rich and creamy. Milk provides a lighter, less intense creaminess.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The classic choice for loaded potato soup; its sharpness adds a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the soup. Experiment with different cheeses!
• Optional Toppings:
• 1/4 cup crumbled bacon: Adds a smoky, salty, and crunchy element to the soup.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides a fresh, slightly oniony flavor and a vibrant green color.
• Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy, and creamy topping that contrasts beautifully with the warm soup.
• Additional cheddar cheese: For extra cheesiness!
• Bacon bits: For even more bacon goodness.
• Necessary Utensils:
• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for making a large batch of soup, ensuring even cooking.
• Cutting board: To safely chop the onions and potatoes.
• Sharp knife: For efficient chopping of the onions and potatoes. Safety is key here!
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements. Precision is important for consistent results.
• Blender or immersion blender: A blender creates a completely smooth soup, while an immersion blender allows blending directly in the pot. Ensure the blender is robust enough to handle hot liquids.
• Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
• Bowls: For serving the delicious Loaded Potato Soup.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Loaded Potato Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. **Tip:** Don’t rush this step; allowing the onions to soften properly enhances their sweetness and flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. **Important:** Don’t burn the garlic; it will become bitter.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Add the vegetable or chicken broth, cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. **Tip:** For perfectly cooked potatoes, ensure they are all roughly the same size. This guarantees even cooking.
3. Blend the Soup: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until completely smooth. **Caution:** Hot liquids can cause burns when blending. Vent the blender lid carefully to release steam; start with a lower speed and gradually increase. If using an immersion blender, blend directly in the pot, being careful not to splash.
4. Stir in the Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or milk. Heat the soup through gently, stirring occasionally. **Important:** Do not boil the soup after adding the cream; this can cause it to curdle.
5. Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. **Tip:** For extra smooth texture, use a whisk while stirring in the cheese.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with your favorite toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and extra cheddar cheese. **Tip:** For an extra special touch, use freshly chopped chives instead of green onions.

Tips and Variations for Loaded Potato Soup

This Loaded Potato Soup recipe is incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for customization. Here are some tips and variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Adaptation: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. For a richer vegan version, you could add a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds another layer of smoky flavor.
• Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for an aromatic boost. Add these during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles. A blend of cheeses can create a really interesting taste.
• Creamy Alternatives: Instead of heavy cream or milk, try using coconut milk (for a vegan option) or half-and-half for a richer creaminess.
• Thickening the Soup: If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Bring to a simmer until thickened.
• Avoid Over-Blending: Over-blending can create a gluey texture. Aim for a smooth but not overly processed consistency.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Low and slow is key when sautéing garlic; high heat will burn it, resulting in a bitter taste.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Loaded Potato Soup

While Loaded Potato Soup is undeniably indulgent, it also offers several nutritional benefits, depending on the ingredients used. A serving of this soup, made with vegetable broth, provides a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes, offering sustained energy. Potatoes are also rich in potassium, an essential electrolyte, and vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. The vegetable broth provides valuable electrolytes and minerals. The cheese contributes calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth. If you choose to include bacon, it adds protein and iron, though this should be consumed in moderation. However, the use of heavy cream significantly increases the fat content and calories. Using milk instead reduces the fat and calories, making it a healthier option. The optional green onions provide vitamin K and other beneficial nutrients. To give a general nutritional breakdown (this varies significantly based on exact ingredients and portion size), a typical serving could contain around 300-450 calories, 15-25g of protein, 20-30g of fat, and 30-40g of carbohydrates. Remember to always adjust the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences. For more healthy and delicious recipes, visit our blog Recipes Luna.

FAQs

In conclusion, this Loaded Potato Soup recipe is a winner for its incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us! Snap a picture of your Loaded Potato Soup and tag us on social media. We can’t wait to see your delicious results! For more amazing recipes, visit our blog Recipes Luna and check out some of our other delicious recipes, such as our Pumpkin Cookies or our Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake! Also, check out our Pinterest page for more recipe inspiration: Recipes Luna Pinterest.

Loaded Potato Soup: Creamy, Cheesy, and Delicious!

A hearty and comforting loaded potato soup packed with creamy potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a chilly evening!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Onion chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 6 cups Vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 pounds Russet potatoes peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
• 0.75 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup Bacon crumbled (optional)
• 0.25 cup Green onions chopped (optional)
• Sour cream (optional, for topping)
• Cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Bacon bits (optional, for topping)

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Large bowl

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the vegetable broth, potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids. Let cool slightly before blending if using a regular blender.
4. Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or milk. Heat through, but do not boil.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and extra cheddar cheese, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.