Loaded Potato Soup: A Creamy, Hearty Comfort Food

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of creamy Loaded Potato Soup. This rich and hearty soup is packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, making it the ultimate cozy meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

To make this indulgent Loaded Potato Soup, you’ll need:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Extra crispy bacon bits (for garnish)

Instructions for Loaded Potato Soup

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving a little bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Cook the Potatoes:
   Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Mash the Potatoes:
   Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture while still leaving some chunks for heartiness.
5. Add Dairy and Seasonings:
   Stir in the milk (or heavy cream for extra richness), butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Finish the Soup:
   Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping!

Tips for Success

• Make It Extra Creamy: For a thicker, creamier soup, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk.
• Add More Toppings: Feel free to load up your soup with extra toppings like crumbled blue cheese, shredded mozzarella, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s day or serving it at a family dinner, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. With its creamy texture and delicious toppings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

don’t forget to join our group on Facebook and check out other recipes on acewebinc.com.