Discover the ultimate loaded potato soup recipe that brings hearty, comforting flavors right to your kitchen. This delicious dish combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, rich cheese, and a creamy broth for pure comfort food. It’s a simple yet satisfying one-pot meal, perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup
This loaded potato soup recipe is a true standout, earning its place as a family favorite. You’ll understand why with every spoonful.
- Enjoy its incredibly rich and creamy texture, making each bite wonderfully satisfying.
- It features the irresistible combination of savory cheese and perfectly crispy bacon.
- The entire dish comes together easily in just one pot, simplifying cleanup.
- Customize it endlessly with your favorite toppings to suit any preference.
- This comforting dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
The Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon pieces over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add butter and chopped onion to the pot. Cook 3–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to form a smooth roux.
- Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Cook for about 10 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove half the soup and puree it in a blender (or use an immersion blender) until smooth. Return to the pot and mix well.
- Stir in sour cream and reserved bacon. Simmer gently for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve hot with toppings like cheese, bacon bits, and chives.
Notes
Ingredients
Creating this amazing loaded potato soup recipe starts with a few simple, wholesome ingredients. You’ll need:
- 6 strips (uncooked) bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted will work)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g)
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg)
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
- 2 cups milk (475ml)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml)
- 1 ½ teaspoon* salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder**
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
For the best creamy texture, varieties such as Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are often recommended by culinary experts for soups.
- Potatoes: Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best creamy texture and consistency.
- Dairy: For extra richness, swap some whole milk for half-and-half or add a dollop of cream cheese for a tangy kick.
- Bacon: Opt for turkey bacon or simply omit it to make this hearty potato soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Seasoning: Always adjust salt to taste, especially depending on your broth’s sodium content; a pinch of cayenne adds a delightful heat.
Equipment
You won’t need a lot of specialized gear for this delicious homemade potato soup. Just a few kitchen essentials will do:
- A large Dutch oven or a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot.
- A sharp chef’s knife for efficiently dicing vegetables.
- An immersion blender or a standard blender for achieving creaminess.
- Accurate measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a wonderfully flavorful loaded potato soup recipe. You’ll have a cozy meal ready in no time!
- Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp and nicely browned.
- Remove the cooked bacon pieces and set them aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
- Add butter and the chopped onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the onions are tender and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the ingredients in the pot and stir until smooth, forming a roux. A whisk works well here.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Carefully remove approximately half of the soup to a blender (be cautious, it will be hot!). Puree until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot. Stir in the sour cream and the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Stir everything well to combine.
- Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls. Garnish generously with additional sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh chives. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering this loaded potato soup recipe is easy with a few expert tips. These will help you achieve perfect results every time.
- Potato Prep: Dice your potatoes into even, consistent pieces. This ensures they all cook at the same rate and become tender simultaneously.
- Creaminess Control: For your desired texture, puree more or less of the soup. More puree results in a thicker, smoother soup.
- Prevent Curdling: Always warm dairy ingredients slightly before adding them to hot soup. This helps prevent curdling and keeps your soup silky.
- Thickening: If your soup is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it in gradually.
- Flavor Boost: Season your soup gradually throughout the cooking process. Taste test often and adjust salt or spices as needed for optimal flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-boiling the soup for too long can cause the potatoes to break down excessively, leading to a mushy texture.
- Adding sour cream directly to rapidly boiling soup can cause it to curdle, so always add it off the heat or to simmering soup.
- Under-seasoning is a common pitfall; remember to taste and adjust the seasonings often for the best flavor.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile loaded potato soup recipe offers many possibilities for enjoyment beyond its initial creation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty potato soup with classic toppings like extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and more crispy bacon bits.
- Pair it perfectly with a crusty bread or serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for an ultimate comfort meal.
- Offer a light green salad on the side to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover creamy potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions of the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm it in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick.
Flavor Variations
- Add protein: Incorporate shredded chicken, diced ham, or savory sausage for an extra protein boost in your bacon potato soup.
- Cheesy options: Experiment with Pepper Jack for a kick, smoked gouda for depth, or stir in cream cheese for extra tang and creaminess.
- Vegetable additions: Enhance the flavor and nutrition with sweet corn, finely diced celery, or roasted bell peppers.
- Spice it up: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Vegetarian option: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the bacon entirely.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional content of your homemade meals helps you make informed choices. This loaded potato soup recipe provides estimated caloric and macronutrient content. Nutritional values are approximate and can vary significantly. Factors like specific ingredient brands, exact portion sizes, and added toppings will influence the final nutritional profile of your soup.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-35g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20g |
| Cholesterol | 80-100mg |
| Sodium | 700-900mg |
| Total Carbs | 40-50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-6g |
| Total Sugars | 8-12g |
| Protein | 15-20g |
Note: Values are approximate and based on 8 servings. Adjustments for specific ingredients or portion sizes may alter these figures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of potatoes are best for potato soup?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this creamy potato soup. They break down beautifully, creating a thick and velvety texture.
Can I make this loaded potato soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You’ll still have a wonderfully flavorful vegetarian potato soup.
How do I prevent my potato soup from curdling?
To prevent curdling, always temper your dairy by warming it slightly before adding it to the hot soup. Also, avoid adding sour cream directly to a rapidly boiling pot.
Can I freeze leftover potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze cooled leftover soup in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating.
Conclusion
This ultimate loaded potato soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food, offering rich flavors and a wonderfully satisfying experience. It’s an easy-to-follow, one-pot dish that truly delivers on taste and warmth. We encourage you to try this recipe for a delicious, hearty meal your whole family will love. Share your feedback and personal variations; we’d love to hear how you make this classic your own!
