Description
Hearty loaded potato soup brings comfort with creamy Wisconsin cheddar and crispy bacon bits. Rich flavors blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll savor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Proteins:
- 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 6 slices bacon
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Liquid:
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Crisp bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crunchy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender.
- Partially mash the potatoes using a potato masher, creating a rustic texture with some chunks remaining for variety.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously while incorporating shredded cheddar cheese and tangy sour cream until fully integrated and smooth.
- Allow the soup to simmer an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the soup reaches a rich, creamy consistency.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with reserved crispy bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Achieve a silky smooth texture by using an immersion blender to partially blend the potatoes instead of a traditional masher.
- Customize the soup’s richness by adjusting the cream-to-broth ratio, making it lighter or more indulgent based on personal preference.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients like broth and cheese are certified gluten-free and skip any potential wheat-based thickeners.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling added salt, perfect for those watching their salt intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg