Save to Pinterest There is nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of Loaded Potato Soup on a chilly day. This recipe creates a velvety, rich base packed with tender russet potatoes and savory aromatics. It is the ultimate American comfort food, perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Save to Pinterest The secret to this soup's depth lies in the combination of sautéed onions and garlic with a hint of paprika. As the russet potatoes simmer in the broth, they soften perfectly, ready to be blended into a creamy consistency. Finishing the dish with fresh green onions and crispy bacon bits adds the perfect crunch to every spoonful.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 medium onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 green onions (sliced for garnish). Optional: 1 cup diced tomatoes or 1 jalapeño (sliced).
- Base & Dairy: 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup whole or 2% milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish).
- Meats: 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled).
- Oils & Seasonings: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Step 3
- Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 4
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend half the soup and leave the remainder chunky for texture.
- Step 5
- Stir in milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy (about 5 minutes).
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Step 7
- Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and any optional toppings you desire.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Für zusätzliche Nährstoffe kannst du eine Tasse gewürfelte Karotten oder Sellerie zusammen mit den Kartoffeln kochen. Wenn du eine besonders cremige Konsistenz bevorzugst, ersetze einen Teil der Milch durch Schlagsahne.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine schärfere Suppe kannst du gewürfelte Jalapeños oder ein paar Spritzer scharfe Sauce hinzufügen. Um das Gericht vegetarisch zuzubereiten, verzichte auf den Speck (oder nutze eine pflanzliche Alternative) und verwende Gemüsebrühe.
Serviervorschläge
Serviere die Suppe dampfend heiß in rustikalen Schüsseln. Sie lässt sich hervorragend vorbereiten und einfrieren; achte beim Aufwärmen darauf, dies vorsichtig bei niedriger Hitze zu tun, um die cremige Textur zu erhalten.
Save to Pinterest This Loaded Potato Soup is a balanced meal, providing 380 calories and 14g of protein per serving. Whether served with crusty bread or on its own, it remains a timeless favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any table.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it completely, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because of their high starch content, which creates a naturally creamy, thick texture when blended. Yukon Gold potatoes can also work as a substitute, offering a slightly buttery flavor and smooth consistency.
- → How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it completely vegetarian. The soup will still be rich and flavorful from the cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.
- → Can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
Absolutely. For a thicker soup, blend more of the potatoes or add less broth. For a thinner consistency, add extra milk or broth gradually until you reach your preferred texture. You can also add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water for additional thickness.
- → What toppings pair well with this soup?
Classic toppings include extra shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and sour cream. For variety, try diced jalapeños, chives, croutons, crispy fried onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat.
- → Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free broth and bacon. Always check product labels carefully, as some broths and processed meats may contain gluten or be cross-contaminated during manufacturing.