The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup: A Comforting Classic
When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of loaded potato soup. This hearty, creamy dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory bacon, creamy cheese, and a burst of fresh flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings, cozy family dinners, or even as a meal prep option, this soup is as satisfying as it is delicious.
In this recipe, we’ll dive into how to make the best homemade loaded potato soup from scratch, packed with all the rich, creamy goodness you’ve come to love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect loaded potato soup, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- Russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized): These are the star of the show! Their starchy texture makes the soup nice and creamy.
- Bacon (6 slices): For that crispy, smoky flavor that’s a signature in loaded potato soup.
- Onion (1 medium): A finely chopped onion adds depth to the flavor base.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and taste.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): For sautéing and giving the soup a rich base.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): This is your thickening agent, helping the soup reach that creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): For the soup’s base. You can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): To add the signature creamy texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The key to making this soup cheesy and indulgent.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Green onions (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crunchy topping and a pop of color.
- Sour cream (optional, for serving): A cool and creamy addition on top.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a hint of color and freshness.
Instructions for Making Loaded Potato Soup
- Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop it into small pieces. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for the next step. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Make the Roux
Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir constantly to make a roux (a mixture of flour and fat). Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. - Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is incorporated, add the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Add the Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, then cover and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. - Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This will help thicken the soup while still leaving some potato chunks for texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender for a few seconds. - Add the Cheese and Bacon
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a rich and creamy base for the soup. - Season to Taste
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add extra garlic powder or onion powder for additional flavor if you prefer. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining cheese, bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup
- Use Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are starchy, making them ideal for soups. They break down a little during cooking, adding to the creaminess of the soup while leaving chunks for texture. - Make It Vegetarian
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can substitute with vegetarian bacon or add extra cheese for richness. - Adjust the Thickness
If you prefer a thinner soup, add extra chicken broth or cream. For a thicker soup, use a little less liquid or mash more of the potatoes. - Add Extra Veggies
If you want to make the soup heartier, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn. - Use Shredded Cheese
For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the soup.
Why This Loaded Potato Soup Is Perfect
Loaded potato soup is a perfect comfort food, combining the rich flavors of potatoes, cheese, and bacon in a creamy, smooth base. It’s hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own, yet versatile enough to pair with a fresh salad or crispy bread for a more complete dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the process.
This homemade loaded potato soup is sure to become a family favorite, offering that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner, a cozy night in, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting dish that will warm you up during the colder months, look no further than this slow cooker loaded potato soup. With the perfect blend of creamy texture, bold flavors, and crispy bacon, this soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your household!
