Description
Creamy loaded potato soup combines hearty ingredients for a comforting meal that warms from within. Home cooks will savor rich flavors and creamy textures with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6–8 slices bacon, diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chicken broth
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving one tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
- Melt butter into the remaining bacon fat, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes and increase heat to bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and allow potatoes to cook until fork-tender, approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Incorporate heavy cream, whole milk, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese completely melts and creates a velvety consistency.
- Fold in sour cream and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and top with reserved bacon crumbles, additional cheese, sliced green onions, and an optional dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from bacon for a leaner soup without compromising flavor.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet for a creamier, thicker texture that helps naturally thicken the soup.
- For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch when creating the roux.
- Consider adding roasted cauliflower or pureed vegetables to boost nutrition and create a lighter, more vegetable-forward soup without losing the rich, comforting essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg