Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of soup on a crisp day? Honestly, we think not. Furthermore, this classic dish wraps you in a cozy blanket of flavor, making every spoonful a moment of pure, uncomplicated joy. Consequently, if you crave a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out, you have found your perfect recipe. Today, we are diving headfirst into the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly Delicious Loaded Potato Soup.
This Delicious Loaded Potato Soup embodies the very essence of comfort food. It transforms simple, humble ingredients like russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon into a rich and velvety masterpiece. Moreover, this soup matters because it delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen without any fuss. It perfectly fits our blog’s tone of approachable, crowd-pleasing recipes that bring people together around the dinner table. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or need a show-stopping first course for a dinner party, this versatile soup delivers every single time. For another fantastic make-ahead option that the whole family will adore, you must try our Classic Beef Stew. Ultimately, a great bowl of soup provides nourishment not just for the body, but for the soul, and this recipe is designed to do exactly that. It is a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for seconds. Additionally, if you are looking for the ideal side to complete this cozy meal, our Buttery Soft Pretzels are absolutely perfect for dipping.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Delicious Loaded Potato Soup holds a special place in my heart because it was the first meal I ever confidently cooked for my now-husband. Surprisingly, he is a notoriously picky eater, yet he devoured two entire bowls and immediately asked for the recipe. Therefore, this soup became our personal tradition, a dish we now make together whenever the weather turns chilly or we simply need a taste of home. It represents more than just food; it symbolizes warmth, love, and the simple joy of sharing a fantastic meal with someone you love.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
This Delicious Loaded Potato Soup offers a powerful nutritional punch. First, potatoes provide an excellent source of potassium, which actively supports healthy blood pressure levels. Moreover, they deliver a steady supply of energy through their complex carbohydrates. Consequently, this soup helps you feel satisfied and fueled for hours.
Additionally, the ingredients work together to create a truly balanced meal. For instance, the dairy base contributes a significant amount of calcium for strong bones. Furthermore, if you top your bowl with green onions, you receive a boost of antioxidants. Therefore, every spoonful of this Delicious Loaded Potato Soup delivers essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive.
Ultimately, this soup supports your overall wellness in a comforting package. The fiber from the potatoes and any added veggies promotes excellent digestive health. Meanwhile, the protein from cheese and Greek yogurt helps with muscle repair. So, you can enjoy this hearty Delicious Loaded Potato Soup knowing it’s nourishing you from the inside out.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
This Delicious Loaded Potato Soup fits perfectly into a balanced eating plan. You can easily customize it to meet specific dietary goals, making it a fantastic versatile option. For a heart-healthy version, simply use low-sodium broth and load up on extra veggies like broccoli. If you are managing your weight, the high fiber content helps you feel full, which can prevent overeating.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a wonderful choice for anyone with sensitivities. You can also boost the protein content significantly by stirring in plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For more ideas on building nutritious meals, explore our guide on how to meal prep like a pro. Planning ahead makes sticking to your health goals so much easier. Remember, enjoying wholesome, satisfying food like this soup is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle without feeling deprived. Pair it with a light side salad for a complete and fulfilling lunch or dinner that you will look forward to eating. Find the perfect pairing in our collection of easy weeknight salads.
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, grab your largest stockpot and set it over medium-high heat. Next, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes wonderfully crispy; meanwhile, use this time to chop your onions. Then, remove the bacon and sauté the onions right in that flavorful bacon fat for a fantastic base. After that, add your minced garlic and stir for just one minute until it becomes fragrant. Now, whisk in the flour to create a simple roux, which will beautifully thicken your Delicious Loaded Potato Soup. Gradually pour in your broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Furthermore, add your cubed potatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes become perfectly tender. Finally, stir in most of your cheese and sour cream until everything melts into a creamy, luxurious soup. For a quick garnish, top each bowl with the reserved bacon, a sprinkle of green onions, and extra cheese. Honestly, using pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked bacon from the store saves a ton of time without sacrificing flavor.
Mistakes I’ve made and learned from
I have absolutely learned a few lessons the hard way with this Delicious Loaded Potato Soup. Initially, I would rush and add the dairy ingredients too quickly while the soup was still boiling, which sadly caused the soup to curdle and separate. Now, I always take the pot off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before stirring in the sour cream and cheese. Another common error was cutting the potatoes too small; they would practically dissolve into the broth instead of providing those lovely, soft chunks. I also used to overseason too early, especially before the broth had reduced. Remember, the flavors will concentrate as it simmers, so always taste and adjust at the very end. For more guidance on getting your soup consistency just right, check out my tips on fixing a soup that’s too thin. And if you’re worried about timing your sides, my guide to perfect cornbread pairings makes dinner planning a breeze.
Cultural Connection and Variations
Where this recipe comes from
We trace the roots of this Delicious Loaded Potato Soup back to the humble, hearty kitchens of rural America. Farmers and families needed a meal that could warm bones after a long day and stretch a few simple ingredients into something nourishing. Consequently, they built this tradition around the mighty potato, a versatile and filling staple. Meanwhile, in Ireland, you find a smoother, simpler potato and leek potage. In Germany, they might add sausage and caraway seeds for a heartier twist.
My own grandmother, however, always made her version with a generous glug of buttermilk for tang. She served it with a side of cornbread for dipping, a tradition I proudly continue. Ultimately, every family and region adds its own signature. Some folks stir in local sharp cheddar, while others top it with smoked paprika or even pulled pork. This global journey shows how one pot can tell a thousand stories. The beauty of this particular Delicious Loaded Potato Soup recipe is how it honors that history while inviting your own personal touch.
How it fits in today’s cooking
This soup absolutely thrives in modern kitchens because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss. It fits perfectly into our routines, especially for cozy weeknight dinners that everyone craves. Furthermore, contemporary cooks brilliantly adapt it for specific diets. For instance, they might use cauliflower to reduce carbs or a rich coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy.
Its role as a seasonal champion also keeps it relevant. Naturally, it becomes a star during holiday gatherings and football Sundays, offering a warm, welcoming bowl of comfort. If you need another make-ahead meal that wows a crowd, consider pairing it with an Easy Breakfast Casserole for a brunch spread. Moreover, a warm bowl of this soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side. For example, a crisp, fresh Simple Avocado Salad creates a perfect balanced meal. Ultimately, this timeless recipe continues to bring people together, one steaming, delicious bowl at a time.
Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
This Delicious Loaded Potato Soup wraps you in a warm, creamy embrace from the very first spoonful. Silky smooth potatoes create a rich and velvety base that perfectly carries the savory, salty punch of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Furthermore, each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the hot, comforting soup and the cool, tangy finish of a dollop of sour cream. Ultimately, the fresh chives add a mild oniony fragrance and a pop of color, making the entire experience as visually appealing as it is utterly satisfying. You will love the hearty and comforting feel of this Delicious Loaded Potato Soup in your mouth.
Boosting the flavor
You can easily elevate your soup with a few creative twists. For instance, try swapping the cheddar for smoked gouda to introduce a wonderfully deep, smoky flavor that complements the bacon beautifully. Additionally, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper will add a pleasant kick of heat. Do not forget the power of toppings; crispy fried shallots or a handful of buttery homemade croutons provide an incredible crunchy texture. For another fantastic topping idea that adds both flavor and color, consider whipping up a batch of our Crispy Onion Strings. Finally, a side of Garlic Herb Focaccia is perfect for dipping and savoring every last bit of this creamy masterpiece.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always use starchy potatoes like Russets for your Delicious Loaded Potato Soup because they break down beautifully and create a naturally creamy texture. Furthermore, do not rush the step of cooking the flour with the butter; let it cook for a full minute to eliminate any raw taste from your roux. For the ultimate flavor, use a high-quality chicken or vegetable stock as the base of your soup. Additionally, reserve some of your crispy bacon and green onions to use as a fresh garnish right before serving, which adds wonderful texture and color to each bowl.
Mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is boiling the soup at a high rolling boil after adding the dairy, which can cause the cream to curdle. Instead, always bring your soup to a gentle simmer. Moreover, avoid over-pureeing the potatoes if you desire a chunky soup; use a potato masher for more control over the consistency. For a perfectly smooth soup, however, an immersion blender works best. Finally, do not under-season your soup, as potatoes require a generous amount of salt. Taste and adjust your seasoning at the end, just like you would for a perfect creamy chowder base.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
How to serve this dish
Present your Delicious Loaded Potato Soup in a deep, rustic bowl to create a cozy and inviting feel. For a beautiful finish, top each serving with a generous sprinkle of crisp bacon bits, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a bright flourish of fresh chives. Furthermore, this hearty soup makes a fantastic centerpiece for a casual family dinner or a holiday potluck. You can even serve it in a bread bowl for a truly memorable and interactive meal that guests will adore.
What goes well with it
A crisp, refreshing side salad perfectly cuts through the rich creaminess of this Delicious Loaded Potato Soup. For instance, our classic Classic Caesar Salad offers a sharp, tangy contrast that truly elevates every spoonful. Additionally, a crusty piece of artisan bread is essential for dipping and savoring every last bit. Moreover, a chilled glass of pale ale or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the savory flavors. Finally, for a heartier spread, consider pairing it with our popular Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread, which everyone will love.
The best toppings for this Delicious Loaded Potato Soup are the classic baked potato fixings. We recommend shredded cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon, chopped fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add wonderful texture and flavor that make the soup truly irresistible.
Absolutely! Making Delicious Loaded Potato Soup in a slow cooker is incredibly easy and yields fantastic results. Simply combine all the soup ingredients (except for the dairy) in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream or milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a perfectly creamy texture.
There are a few effective ways to thicken your soup. You can use a potato masher to break down some of the potatoes directly in the pot, which releases their natural starch. For an even thicker consistency, create a simple slurry by whisking a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and then stirring it into the simmering soup.
Properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade Delicious Loaded Potato Soup will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The soup may thicken upon standing, so simply stir in a little extra broth or milk when reheating it on the stove over medium heat until warm.
Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 27 minute
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and delicious loaded potato soup recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, it features crisp bacon and a creamy, cheesy broth.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- 4 large Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2½ cups whole milk or 2% milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cooking Bacon and Vegetables:
- Brown the bacon in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Using a slotted spoon remove the bacon from the pan reserving the grease. Add enough butter to make 2 tablespoons of fat. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the potatoes and onions to the pan cooking for 5 minutes or until the onions are soft. Add the garlic and the cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Using a slotted spoon remove the potatoes, onions, and garlic to a bowl or plate, reserving any fat in the pan.
- Making the Roux and Soup Base:
- Melt enough butter to make 4 tablespoons of fat. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the chicken broth and milk in several intervals alternating between the two.
- Simmering the Soup:
- Add the potatoes, onions, and garlic back to the pot and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Finishing the Soup:
- Whisk in both shredded cheeses until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the bacon, sour cream, chives, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT35M
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: American
