Description
This creamy loaded potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this easy homemade soup is great for meal prep and can be customized to your liking. Serve it with crusty bread for an irresistible dish!
Ingredients
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Sour cream for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
- Add butter, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, ensuring there are no lumps. Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some of the potatoes, or mash them slightly with a fork for a chunkier texture.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions, extra cheese, bacon, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes