Loaded Potato Soup

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of loaded potato soup. This recipe is a family favorite that brings back memories of cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. Filled with creamy goodness, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, it’s like a hug in a bowl – and trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

Let’s get into why you’re going to love this recipe!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

First off, the flavors in this loaded potato soup are nothing short of amazing. Each spoonful is a delightful mix of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and sharp cheese that’ll have your taste buds dancing. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm embrace after a long day.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s incredibly easy to make. We’re talking about a one-pot wonder that comes together in no time.

You can easily customize it to suit your taste by adding your favorite toppings or even throwing in some veggies. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this soup is sure to impress.

For this loaded potato soup, you’ll need some straightforward ingredients that you probably have on hand. We’re starting with 6 strips of chopped bacon to bring that smoky flavor, and then we’ll need 2 pounds of southern hash browns. Now, if you’re a potato lover like me, you’ll appreciate how easy hash browns make this dish.

You’ll also need a few pantry staples: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for thickening, 1 cup chicken broth, and a generous 3 cups of milk. And let’s not forget the 2 cups of heavy cream that give this soup its rich, velvety texture. Toss in a diced yellow onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for flavor, and finish it off with a cup of sour cream and a cup of shredded cheese.

Oh, and don’t skip the green onions for garnish – they add a nice pop of color and flavor!

How To Make It

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! This loaded potato soup is as easy as pie, and I’ll guide you through every step.

Preparation

First things first, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process much smoother. Chop up your bacon and onion, and measure out your flour, chicken broth, and dairy products.

I like to use a heavy-bottom pot for this recipe – it helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents any sticking.

Once you’ve got everything prepped, it’s time to start cooking. The key here is to brown that bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This not only adds flavor but also gives you some delicious bacon grease to sauté your onions and garlic in.

Trust me, this is where the magic happens!

Cooking

Now that your bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot and reserve about 2 tablespoons of that glorious grease. Toss in your diced onion and sauté them until they start to soften – you’ll love that sweet aroma filling your kitchen. After a minute or two, add in the minced garlic and stir for just about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.

Next, it’s time to add the hash browns. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, sprinkle in the flour and stir it all together for a few minutes to cook out that raw flour taste.

Now, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom.

From there, add in the milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened nicely.

Finally, stir in the sour cream, cheese, and crispy bacon, and let it cook for a few more minutes until everything is melted and gooey. Trust me, your kitchen will smell phenomenal at this point!

Serving & Variations

Now that your loaded potato soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Ladle it into bowls and load it up with more shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions for that fresh crunch. This soup pairs perfectly with some crusty bread or a light salad on the side.

A common consensus among home cooks is: if you want to amp up the flavor, try adding some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick or throw in some broccoli for a little extra nutrition. And if you have leftovers (which is rare, I promise), they store well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat gently to keep that creamy texture intact.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, folks! This loaded potato soup is sure to warm your soul and fill your belly with all the good feels. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also brings people together – just like my grandparents taught me.

Recipe created by Cookin’ with Babe for Trust Me Try It.

Loaded Potato Soup

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 6 strips bacon (chopped)
• 2 lbs. southern hash browns
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Green onion for garnish

Instructions

• In a large heavy bottom pot, add in bacon and brown.
• Once browned remove from the pot and reserve about 2 tbsp. of the bacon grease.
• Add the onion to the grease and once they start to soften add in the garlic.
• Add potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes and then add in the flour cooking for 3-5 minutes.
• Add in the chicken stock to deglaze the pot.
• Cook until the flour is dissolved.
• Add in the milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the soup to a bowl, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
• Stir in the sour cream, cheese, and bacon.
• Cook for about 7 minutes or until cheese is melted.
• Serve when ready.
• Garnish with shredded cheese, bacon, and green onion.