Description
Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook Potatoes: In a pot, boil potatoes in chicken broth until tender.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Blend Soup: Add sautéed mixture to the pot. Use a blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some potato chunks.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Serve: Top with remaining cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives.
##PotatoSoup ##ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect bowl of soup. First, peel and uniformly dice your potatoes to ensure even cooking. In your main soup pot, combine the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. While the potatoes cook, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, cooking until translucent, then add the minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the pot. Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup 4-5 times to create a creamy base while leaving plenty of hearty potato chunks. If using a countertop blender, blend only half the soup and return it to the pot. Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and hearty soup is a meal in itself. For a complete comfort food experience, serve it in a deep bowl with a side of crusty bread or warm, soft pretzel rolls for dipping. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the soup’s richness. For extra indulgence, offer additional toppings like sour cream, extra crispy bacon bits, or even a dash of hot sauce.
How-to Summary
To make Loaded Potato Soup: 1) Boil diced potatoes in broth until tender. 2) Sauté onions and garlic in butter. 3) Combine and partially blend the soup for texture. 4) Stir in cream and half the cheese, then season and simmer. 5) Garnish with remaining cheese, bacon, and chives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soup (through step 4) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened too much. Add fresh garnishes when serving.
How can I make this soup lighter? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich. You can also use reduced-fat cheese and turkey bacon.
My soup is too thick. How do I thin it? Gradually stir in additional chicken broth, milk, or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Add it warm if possible.
Can I freeze this potato soup? Freezing is not recommended. Dairy-based soups with potatoes can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.
What’s the best way to blend the soup? An immersion blender is ideal for controlling texture directly in the pot. If using a regular blender, never fill it more than halfway with hot liquid, hold the lid firmly with a towel, and start on low speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-blending: This turns the soup into a gluey potato puree instead of a chunky, textured soup. Pulse briefly.
- Boiling after adding dairy: Once cream and cheese are added, only simmer gently. Boiling can cause the soup to curdle or separate.
- Underseasoning: Potatoes and broth need ample seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
- Burning the garlic: Add garlic to the pan only for the last minute of sautéing to prevent a bitter taste.
Conclusion
This Loaded Potato Soup recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality soup that’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender potatoes, rich cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any chilly day. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!