When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal, loaded potato soup comes to the rescue. This classic recipe is the epitome of warmth and flavor, combining the creamy goodness of potatoes with the savory elements of bacon, cheese, and green onions. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option or planning a gathering with friends and family, this loaded potato soup is sure to become a favorite. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing this delightful dish step by step, providing useful tips along the way. Let’s dive in and discover how to create a bowl of pure comfort.
How to Prepare Loaded Potato Soup?
Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup:
To make a delicious batch of loaded potato soup, gather the following ingredients:
– 12 slices of bacon
– ⅔ cup of butter or margarine
– ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour
– 7 cups of milk
– 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 green onions, chopped
– 1 ¼ cups of shredded Cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of sour cream
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Directions for Loaded Potato Soup
Follow these steps to prepare a delightful pot of loaded potato soup:
1. Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until evenly browned, turning occasionally. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon slices on paper towels, crumble them, and set them aside.
2. In a stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously until well-combined. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup.
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth and thickened base for the soup.
4. Add the cubed baked potatoes and chopped green onions to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Stir in the crumbled bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and ground black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheese is fully melted, ensuring a rich and creamy consistency.
Once the cheese has melted, your loaded potato soup is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot and garnish with additional toppings like extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Now, let’s explore a few tips to enhance your experience with this flavorful soup.
Tips for the Perfect Loaded Potato Soup:
1. Baking the Potatoes: For the best results, use baked potatoes as they offer a fluffy texture and impart a delicious roasted flavor to the soup. If you don’t have any baked potatoes on hand, you can quickly prepare them by rubbing washed potatoes with oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, and baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately one hour.
2. Bacon Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon, such as maple-smoked or peppered bacon, to add a unique twist to the flavor profile of your loaded potato soup.
3. Creaminess and Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of flour in the recipe. Similarly, for a lighter consistency, you can reduce the flour slightly or add a little extra milk.
4. Garnish and Toppings: The joy of loaded potato soup lies in its customizable toppings. Consider adding chopped chives, crispy fried onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce to elevate the flavors and presentation of your soup.
Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer. Keep in mind that they may require slightly longer cooking time to reach the desired tenderness.
Can I freeze leftover loaded potato soup?
While it is not recommended to freeze loaded potato soup, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days. Freezing may cause the texture to become grainy and the potatoes to become watery upon thawing.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and replace the chicken broth in the baked potato recipe with vegetable broth. You can also enhance the flavors with additional herbs and spices.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Follow the same steps but transfer the cooked bacon, flour mixture, potatoes, and onions to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What side dishes pair well with loaded potato soup?
Loaded potato soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, a fresh green salad, or even a hearty sandwich like a grilled cheese or turkey club.
Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bacon
- ⅔ cup of butter or margarine
- ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour
- 7 cups of milk
- 4 large baked potatoes peeled and cubed
- 4 green onions chopped
- 1 ¼ cups of shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until evenly browned, turning occasionally. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon slices on paper towels, crumble them, and set them aside.
- In a stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously until well-combined. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth and thickened base for the soup.
- Add the cubed baked potatoes and chopped green onions to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and ground black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheese is fully melted, ensuring a rich and creamy consistency.
- Once the cheese has melted, your loaded potato soup is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot and garnish with additional toppings like extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Now, let's explore a few tips to enhance your experience with this flavorful soup.
