Loaded Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of loaded potato soup on a chilly evening. This rich and creamy soup, packed with potatoes, crispy bacon, tangy cheddar cheese, and flavorful toppings, brings a taste of home and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent dinner or a meal that satisfies the entire family, this soup ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can even be customized to suit your taste preferences.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to create the perfect loaded potato soup, from selecting the best ingredients to adding delicious variations. Plus, we’ll share helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Why Loaded Potato Soup is the Perfect Comfort Food

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of loaded potato soup. The combination of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy sour cream creates a flavor-packed dish that warms you from the inside out.

The secret to a great potato soup lies in using the right ingredients. Potatoes like Russet and Yukon Gold are ideal for soup because they break down easily, creating a smooth, velvety texture. If you’re unsure which potatoes to use, check out this guide on the best potatoes for soup to help you make the right choice.

Another key element of loaded potato soup is the bacon. The crispy texture and smoky flavor elevate the soup, making it truly indulgent. Knowing how to cook bacon to perfection is essential. For foolproof tips, this article on how to get perfectly crispy bacon will be a game changer.

Essential Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup

To make the perfect loaded potato soup, start with these essential ingredients:

Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down easily, making the soup thick and creamy.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: With a buttery flavor and smooth texture, these potatoes complement Russets well.

Bacon

• Thick-cut Bacon: Provides a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture, perfect for topping the soup.

Cheddar Cheese

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the soup, adding a tangy and creamy finish.

Sour Cream

• Adds a tangy creaminess that balances out the richness of the soup.

Milk or Heavy Cream

• Whole milk or heavy cream: Makes the soup smooth and rich.

Seasonings

• Salt, black pepper, and garlic: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Optional spices: Paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into even cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly and blend into the soup without any lumps. Russet potatoes are the best choice for a thick, creamy texture because of their high starch content.

Steps:

1. Peel and chop 6 medium-sized Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

For a creamier texture, you can mash a portion of the potatoes before adding them back to the soup.

2. Creating the Soup Base

A creamy base is the foundation of loaded potato soup, and it starts with a simple roux. A roux is a mixture of fat (usually butter) and flour used to thicken sauces and soups.

Steps:

1. In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Slowly whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture).
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens and becomes smooth.

Making a roux can be tricky if you’ve never done it before, but once mastered, it’s a great skill to have in the kitchen. Learn how to make a perfect roux with this guide on how to make a roux for creamy soups and sauces.

3. Adding the Bacon and Cheese

Crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese are what give loaded potato soup its signature flavor. Be sure to cook your bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it to use both as a topping and a mix-in for the soup.

Steps:

1. While the soup base simmers, cook 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
2. Stir 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the soup until fully melted and incorporated.
3. Add the cooked potatoes back into the soup and stir to combine.
4. Mix in half of the crumbled bacon, reserving the other half for garnishing.

Serving and Garnishing Loaded Potato Soup

Once your soup is thickened, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness, it’s time to serve it up! To take your soup to the next level, don’t forget to load it up with garnishes that add texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Top with crispy bacon: Adds a crunchy texture and smoky flavor.
• Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for extra creaminess.
• Dollop of sour cream: Provides a tangy contrast to the rich soup.
• Chopped green onions or chives: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.

For a fun twist, you can also serve the soup in bread bowls or pair it with a warm baguette for dipping.

Variations of Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded potato soup is versatile, and there are endless ways to customize it based on your taste preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

Healthy Loaded Potato Soup

• Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream instead of full-fat dairy for a lighter version.
• Swap out the heavy cream for almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a lower-calorie soup.

Spicy Loaded Potato Soup

• Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to the soup base for a spicy kick.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for added heat.
• Substitute bacon with chorizo or spicy sausage for an extra burst of flavor.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

• Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• Replace cheddar cheese with vegan cheese and use coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of potatoes are best for loaded potato soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal for loaded potato soup because of their high starch content, which helps thicken the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option as they have a buttery flavor and smooth texture.

Can I make loaded potato soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make loaded potato soup up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more milk or broth to restore the soup’s creamy consistency.

How can I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup turns out too thin, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes or add more roux (flour and butter mixture). Another option is to whisk in a slurry made from cornstarch and water to thicken it up without changing the flavor.

Can I freeze loaded potato soup?

Potato soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that freezing may cause the dairy ingredients to separate, affecting the texture. For the best results, freeze the soup without adding sour cream, and stir it in once reheated.

Conclusion

Loaded potato soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together rich flavors and creamy textures in one satisfying bowl. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold night or serving it at a family gathering, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a customizable soup that fits any diet or taste preference.

So, gather your potatoes, cook up some bacon, and treat yourself to a warm and hearty bowl of loaded potato soup!