This creamy loaded potato soup is filled with tender potatoes and crispy bacon. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day and perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Who can resist bacon, right? I always find myself sneaking a bit more on top before serving. It just makes everything better! 🥓
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup. Just toss everything in, let it simmer, and enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This is the star of your soup! Crispy bacon adds flavor and crunch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon works well, too.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for this soup, but you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture. If you’re avoiding carbs, try cauliflower as a substitute!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the base flavor. If you’re sensitive to onions, shallots are a milder substitute. Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its richness. You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version. Coconut cream offers a dairy-free option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor. For a twist, mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick!
How Can You Get the Perfect Creaminess in Your Soup?
Achieving a creamy texture is key to this soup’s appeal. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking the potatoes, use a potato masher or immersion blender. Mashing some potatoes creates that creamy feel, while leaving some chunks keeps it hearty.
- When adding the heavy cream and cheese, stir gently over low heat to help it melt smoothly without curdling.
- Be patient! Letting the soup simmer for a few minutes allows all those flavors to blend beautifully.
Enjoy the warm comfort of this loaded potato soup, and feel free to make it your own with these tips!
Loaded Potato Soup With Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 large potatoes)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup sour cream, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped chives, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crusty bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious loaded potato soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a warm, comforting bowl ready in under an hour! Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon, letting it drain on paper towels, and reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot. Discard the rest.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Thicken the Soup:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onion and garlic and stir well to combine. This will help thicken your soup later on.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add the diced potatoes and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Mash for Creaminess:
Once the potatoes are tender, you can use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes. This gives the soup a thick, creamy texture while still leaving some chunks for heartiness.
6. Add Cream and Cheese:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Keep the heat low and cook until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through—this should take about 5 minutes.
7. Season to Taste:
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Make sure to give it a good stir!
8. Add the Bacon:
Chop the reserved crispy bacon and stir some of it into the soup for that delicious bacon flavor.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top with extra cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped chives, and additional bacon pieces for garnish.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your loaded potato soup hot and don’t forget some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their starchiness, Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamier texture. If you want a lower-carb option, you can also use cauliflower, just keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this soup in advance! Just prepare it up to the point of adding the cream and cheese, then let it cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove and add the cream and cheese.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even use water, but consider adding some extra seasonings to enhance the flavor if you go that route.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the soup thickens too much.
