Loaded Potato Soup

Introduction:

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of loaded potato soup.

This rich and creamy soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese in a luscious broth.

Topped with fresh chives and a sprinkle of black pepper, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out.

Loaded potato soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a comforting dinner on a cold night or as a hearty appetizer to start a meal.

Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this classic soup from scratch, ensuring that every spoonful is as comforting and flavorful as the last.

Loaded Potato Soup: A Warm and Comforting Classic

Ingredients:

6 slices of bacon, chopped

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups whole milk or half-and-half

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the Bacon:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.

Cook the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Stir in the diced potatoes and dried thyme, tossing to coat the potatoes in the bacon fat and onions.

Make the Soup Base:

Sprinkle the flour over the potato mixture and stir to combine. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to get rid of the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Add the Cream and Cheese:

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk or half-and-half. Allow the soup to heat through, but do not let it boil.

Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Season the Soup:

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with a bit more milk or chicken broth.

Stir in half of the cooked bacon, reserving the other half for garnish.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon, chopped fresh chives, and an extra sprinkle of black pepper.

Serve the loaded potato soup hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Conclusion:

Loaded potato soup is the perfect dish for those days when you need a little extra warmth and comfort.

With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and hearty ingredients, it’s a soup that satisfies on every level.

The combination of tender potatoes, savory bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

This recipe is not only delicious but also flexible.

You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences—add more cheese for a richer soup, or throw in some extra vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition.

No matter how you customize it, this loaded potato soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a starter, this soup is sure to impress.

So the next time you’re in the mood for something cozy and comforting, whip up a batch of this loaded potato soup and enjoy the simple pleasures of home-cooked goodness.

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