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Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded Potato Soup
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Loaded Potato Soup is a warm, hearty, and creamy comfort food packed with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for cozy evenings, this easy-to-make soup blends classic ingredients into a bowl of satisfying goodness that kids and adults love alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cups diced russet or Yukon gold potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Meat & Fat

  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or use reserved bacon fat)

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings & Garnishes

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, peel if desired, and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside and reserve the bacon fat.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter or use the reserved bacon fat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth until it just covers the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Mash and Blend: Using a potato masher or immersion blender, partially mash the potatoes in the pot. Leave some chunks to maintain delightful texture and naturally thicken the soup.
  5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
  6. Add Bacon and Season: Mix in the crispy bacon pieces, reserving a few for garnish. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Choose the right potato: Russet potatoes provide a fluffier texture; Yukon gold offer creaminess.
  • Don’t over-blend the soup to preserve pleasant chunks and avoid a gluey consistency.
  • Add cheese gradually on low heat to prevent curdling or clumping.
  • Use reserved bacon fat to sauté onions for enhanced smoky flavor.
  • Adjust thickness by thinning with extra broth or milk, or simmer longer to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: Loaded Potato Soup, Comfort Food, Creamy Potato Soup, Bacon Potato Soup, Easy Soup Recipe, Family-friendly Soup, Hearty Soup

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/loaded-potato-soup/