Name: Loaded Potato Soup Hearty: 5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz thick-cut beef bacon, diced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2.5-3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (1/2-3/4 inch); 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half); 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 4-5 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated); Optional: 1/2 cup softened cream cheese; Optional: Dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne pepper

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Loaded Potato Soup Hearty is the epitome of comfort food—a warm, creamy dish that wraps you in its embrace, perfect for chilly evenings. This rich and hearty potato soup is loaded with velvety potatoes, crispy bacon, and a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese. As you savor each spoonful, you’ll experience a delightful medley of flavors and textures, from the smooth broth to the crunchy toppings. Let’s dive into this culinary masterpiece that brings a smile to every dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup Hearty

This Hearty Loaded Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Rich and creamy texture that satisfies your cravings.
Easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfectly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Comforting potato soup with bacon that warms your soul.
Great for meal prep and leftovers!
Can be made gluten-free or vegan with simple swaps.
Pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup Hearty

Gather these items:

8 oz thick-cut beef bacon, diced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2.5-3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (1/2-3/4 inch)
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
4-5 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
Optional: 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
Optional: Dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne pepper

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup Hearty Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large pot, cook diced beef bacon over medium heat until crispy (8-10 mins). Remove bacon, reserving most of the rendered fat.
Step 2: Add butter to the pot, then sauté finely diced onion for 6-8 mins until translucent.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 mins until fragrant.
Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the aromatics, stirring constantly for 2-3 mins to form a light golden roux.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
Step 6: Add cubed potatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
Step 7: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 mins until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 8: Remove pot from heat. Partially mash potatoes directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture.
Step 9: Stir in milk (and softened cream cheese, if using) until smooth.
Step 10: Return pot to very low heat, add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and integrated.
Step 11: Remove pot from heat. Stir in sour cream.
Step 12: Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, hot sauce/cayenne).
Step 13: Stir in most of the crispy beef bacon (reserve some for garnish) and the white parts of the sliced green onions into the soup.
Step 14: Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with the reserved crispy beef bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and the green parts of the sliced green onions.
Step 15: Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup Hearty

Keep these in mind:

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
Consider adding toppings like roasted broccoli or caramelized onions for variety.
Use different cheeses for unique flavors.
For a thicker consistency, mash more potatoes; for a thinner soup, add more broth.

Best Ways to Serve Loaded Potato Soup Hearty

This Comforting Potato Soup with Bacon is best served hot, garnished generously. Here are some great pairings:

With crusty artisan bread for dipping.
Alongside a fresh green salad for a light contrast.
Top with additional crispy bacon and a dollop of sour cream for an indulgent touch.

How to Store and Reheat Loaded Potato Soup Hearty

To store, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This soup is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Potato Soup Hearty

What’s the secret to perfect Loaded Potato Soup Hearty?

The key is to create a rich roux and to simmer the potatoes until fork-tender. This ensures a creamy, thick loaded potato soup that’s bursting with flavor.

Can I make Loaded Potato Soup Hearty ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Loaded Potato Soup Hearty?

To prevent lumps, whisk the broth in gradually after creating the roux. Also, avoid overcooking the potatoes to maintain some texture within the soup.

Variations of Loaded Potato Soup Hearty You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Loaded Potato Soup: Use gluten-free flour for the roux.
Vegan Loaded Potato Soup Variations: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh and use plant-based milk and cream.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Top with sour cream, chives, and crispy onions for a baked potato feel.
Healthy Hearty Potato Soup Ideas: Add veggies like spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.

Loaded Potato Soup Hearty: 5 Reasons to Love This Recipe - Loaded Potato Soup Hearty - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake for a delightful dessert. If you’re looking for a quick meal, our Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a fantastic option!

For additional tips on cooking potatoes, you can refer to Food Network’s guide on cooking potatoes.

Loaded Potato Soup Hearty: 5 Reasons to Love This Recipe

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 75 Minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Comfort Food

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Description

A warm, hearty, and creamy homemade loaded potato soup. Velvety potatoes in a rich broth, generously topped with crispy beef bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives, making it an ultimate comfort food experience.

Instructions

In a large pot, cook diced beef bacon over medium heat until crispy (8-10 mins). Remove bacon, reserving most of the rendered fat.
Add butter to the pot, then sauté finely diced onion for 6-8 mins until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 mins until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the aromatics, stirring constantly for 2-3 mins to form a light golden roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
Add cubed potatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 mins until potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove pot from heat. Partially mash potatoes directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture.
Stir in milk (and softened cream cheese, if using) until smooth.
Return pot to very low heat, add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and integrated.
Remove pot from heat. Stir in sour cream.
Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, hot sauce/cayenne).
Stir in most of the crispy beef bacon (reserve some for garnish) and the white parts of the sliced green onions into the soup.
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with the reserved crispy beef bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and the green parts of the sliced green onions.
Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread.

Notes

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
Consider adding toppings like roasted broccoli or caramelized onions for variety.
Use different cheeses for unique flavors.

Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American