Creamy & Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Imagine a bowl of velvety, rich potato soup, brimming with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy sour cream. This loaded potato soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering all the flavors you crave in a single spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This loaded potato soup is not your average potato soup. The combination of creamy texture, savory bacon, and tantalizing toppings elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation process. From the first spoonful, you’ll be hooked on the comforting flavors and satisfying heartiness of this dish.
🍽️ What You Need to Prepare Creamy & Loaded Potato Soup ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this creamy and loaded potato soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of potatoes, bacon, cheese, and sour cream creates a flavor profile that has made potato soup recipes perennially popular.
👨🍳 How to Make Creamy & Loaded Potato Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In the same pot, melt the butter in the reserved bacon grease. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
• Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
• Step 4: Gradually pour in the broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Step 5: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Step 6: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the milk and sour cream until well combined.
• Step 7: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree a portion of the soup to achieve the desired level of creaminess. (Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher.)
• Step 8: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional potato soups, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this creamy and loaded potato soup saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
📊 Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
These creamy and loaded potato soups provide approximately 21% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
💚 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower florets.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the milk and sour cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked, diced chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced celery, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the creamy and loaded potato soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a crisp, light white wine or a hearty craft beer
• For a cozy dinner, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic parmesan roasted broccoli
• Create an inviting platter with the soup, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives for a visually appealing presentation
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not pureeing enough: For a truly creamy soup, you’ll want to puree a portion of the mixture. Leaving too many large potato chunks can result in an uneven texture.
• Adding the dairy too quickly: Pouring in the milk and sour cream all at once can cause the mixture to curdle. Stir them in slowly and gently to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Forgetting the seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing out the full flavor of the soup.
• Overcrowding the pot: Make sure to leave enough room in the pot for the potatoes to cook through properly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a watery texture.
🏠 How to Store Properly
These creamy and loaded potato soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin out the consistency if it has thickened too much during storage.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this potato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually benefits from being made in advance. You can prepare the soup up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes are the traditional choice for potato soup, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Yukon Golds will result in a slightly creamier texture, while red potatoes will have a firmer bite. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if using a different potato variety.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free, as it contains all-purpose flour to thicken the soup. To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener instead.
How can I make this soup more filling?
To make the soup more substantial, you can stir in cooked, diced chicken or turkey. You can also add extra vegetables like diced celery, carrots, or spinach. For a heartier texture, mash some of the potatoes rather than pureeing the entire soup.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! The toppings are the best part of this loaded potato soup. Feel free to experiment with additional garnishes like chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even crispy fried onions.
🏁 Conclusion
These creamy and loaded potato soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting main course or a satisfying side dish, they’re sure to impress with their velvety texture and irresistible toppings. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this creamy and loaded potato soup demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So grab your spoon and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort and deliciousness!
