Loaded Potato Soup has been a lifelong comfort food for me, ever since I was a little kid. I can still remember the first time my grandma made it for me – I was about 8 years old and staying over at her place for the weekend. It was a chilly autumn day, and the smell of that Loaded Potato Soup simmering on the stove just filled the whole house. When she finally served it up in big bowls, I couldn’t wait to dive in. The rich, creamy broth, the tender chunks of potato, the crumbled bacon, the sharp cheddar cheese – it was heaven in a spoon. I slurped it down, savoring every single bite. From that moment on, Loaded Potato Soup became my go-to meal whenever I needed a little extra warmth and comfort.
Why This Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Loaded Potato Soup
This Loaded Potato Soup recipe is truly special because it combines classic flavors in a way that’s both comforting and elevated. The key is in the technique – by roasting the potatoes first, you unlock a deeper, richer flavor that takes this soup to the next level. And the secret ingredient? A splash of dry white wine that brightens up the whole dish. Trust me, your family and friends are going to fall in love with this Loaded Potato Soup.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Russet potatoes: These starchy spuds are the foundation of the soup, providing a creamy, satisfying texture.
– Onion: Sautéing the onion first builds the aromatic base for the broth.
– Garlic: Fresh garlic adds so much depth of flavor.
– Chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid that brings it all together.
– Heavy cream: For an extra indulgent, velvety mouthfeel.
– Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar is the classic topping for Loaded Potato Soup.
– Bacon: Crispy bacon bits are a must-have garnish.
– Chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a bright, oniony note.
– Dry white wine: Just a splash livens up the whole soup.
– Salt and pepper: To season it all to perfection.
Step-by-Step Loaded Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Loaded Potato Soup
This Loaded Potato Soup recipe is easy to make, with just about 30 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a baking sheet, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub the potatoes, then dice them into 1-inch cubes. Spread the potato cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
2- While the potatoes are roasting, dice the onion and mince the garlic. In your large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion in a bit of olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3- Pour in the broth and the roasted potato cubes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, until the potatoes are very soft.
4- Using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a regular blender), purée about half of the soup until creamy and smooth. This will give you that perfect velvety texture.
5- Stir in the heavy cream, white wine, and shredded cheddar cheese. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the flavors have melded.
6- Ladle the Loaded Potato Soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Serve it up hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
A few expert tips to ensure your Loaded Potato Soup comes out perfectly:
– Roast the potatoes first for maximum flavor. The caramelization adds so much depth.
– Use a combination of puréed and chunky potatoes for the best texture.
– Don’t be shy with the cheese – the more the better for a truly loaded soup!
– Finish with fresh chives for a bright, oniony note to balance out the richness.
– If the soup seems too thick, thin it out with a splash of extra broth or milk.
Serving and Storing Your Loaded Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Loaded Potato Soup
This Loaded Potato Soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with all sorts of tasty sides. I love serving it with a fresh green salad or a crusty hunk of sourdough bread for dipping. It also goes great with a crisp, refreshing white wine or an ice-cold beer. And for a heartier meal, you can’t go wrong with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect make-ahead meal! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture may separate a bit, but a quick stir or blend will bring it right back together.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Loaded Potato Soup
Creative Loaded Potato Soup Variations
While the classic Loaded Potato Soup is always a winner, there are so many fun ways to mix it up. Try stirring in some crumbled sausage or diced ham for a heartier version. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños. You can also swap the cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese. And in the summertime, try roasting the potatoes on the grill instead of the oven.
Making Loaded Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Loaded Potato Soup a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. Use low-fat or non-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Choose a reduced-fat or plant-based cheese. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. And for a vegan Loaded Potato Soup, simply omit the cheese and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides russets?
A: While russets are the classic choice, you can absolutely use other potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. The texture may be a bit different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q: How long does Loaded Potato Soup keep?
A: Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this Loaded Potato Soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days. It also freezes very well for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this soup in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Definitely! For the slow cooker, just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. In the Instant Pot, use the soup setting and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Q: How much does this recipe make?
A: This Loaded Potato Soup recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on portion size. It makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Q: Help! My soup turned out too thin. What can I do?
A: If your Loaded Potato Soup ends up a bit too thin, you can easily thicken it up. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with an equal amount of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup. Let it cook for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
This creamy, comforting Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and fresh green onions, it’s a family-friendly classic that’s easy to make in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 3 green onions, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until softened.
2. – Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
3. – Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
4. – Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher. You can also swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a big bowl of creamy Loaded Potato Soup. This recipe takes all the classic flavors you love and kicks them up a notch with a few special techniques. Trust me, once you try this Loaded Potato Soup, it’s going to become a new family favorite. Go ahead and give it a shot – I promise your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!