Delightful Loaded Potato Soup Recipe For A Velvety Touch

Unearth the enticing secrets of a bowl brimming with warmth and flavor – our star of the show, Loaded Potato Soup Recipe. With its roots deep in home-style cooking, this culinary delight offers an irresistible symphony of textures and tastes. 

Each spoonful is a rich blend of velvety potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese harmonized with chives’ fresh, piquant notes. Unquestionably, it’s an ode to comfort food at its finest.

Indulge in this heartwarming dish, the perfect answer to a chilly evening or a nostalgic craving. Revel in the joy that each satisfying mouthful brings, and let this tantalizing recipe reveal why it stands unrivaled. 

Make no mistake – this isn’t just another soup; it’s an experience. In this journey through flavors and traditions, we uncover how the humble potato, treated with love and expertise, transforms into an extraordinary bowl of Loaded Potato Soup. 

The recipe awaits you; are you ready to explore?

What Is Loaded Potato Soup?

Loaded Potato Soup is a hearty dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. It’s traditionally made with chunky potatoes, melded together in a creamy base, often thickened with flour or a roux. 

The ‘loaded’ part comes from the toppings that echo a fully dressed baked potato: generous sprinklings of crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions or chives. 

This rich, indulgent soup provides a warming, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a taste of home.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Vegetarian/Vegan Version You can skip the bacon for a vegetarian version, and for a vegan adaptation, use plant-based milk and cheese. Consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a bacon-like flavor without the meat.
• Additional Vegetables Leeks, celery, or corn can be added to the base for more flavor and nutrition.
• Protein Boost If you want to increase the protein, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu.
• Spice It Up Add a diced jalapeno pepper or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Varieties Experiment with different types of cheese. A smoked gouda or sharp Cheddar can provide a new depth of flavor.
• Seafood Variation For a maritime twist, add cooked clams, shrimp, or chunks of white fish.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup: Add some finely chopped broccoli to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking and let it soften in the hot soup. The broccoli adds a nice crunch and pairs well with the cheese.
• Clam Chowder Style Potato Soup: Add canned or fresh clams to give it a seafood twist reminiscent of clam chowder.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Soup: Add some black beans, corn, and diced green chilies to the soup for a Southwest flair.

Add-Ons

• Meat: Add cooked, shredded chicken or turkey to make the soup more substantial.
• Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra veggies and color.
• Beans: Add cannellini beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.

Toppings

• Croutons: Top with garlic or cheese croutons for a delightful crunch.
• Cheese: Try different types of cheese, like blue cheese, smoked gouda, or feta, for a unique flavor twist.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro can add a fresh flavor and a splash of color.
• Spicy: If you like a little heat, top your soup with sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

For a slow cooker, you’d first sauté your onions, garlic, and bacon (if using) in a skillet. Then, you’d add those, along with diced potatoes, seasonings, and broth, to the slow cooker. 

Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. After this, you can blend some of the Loaded Potato soup to create a creamy texture, add your dairy ingredients, and let it cook for another 15-30 minutes.

Instant Pot

You can use the sauté function in an Instant Pot to cook your onions, garlic, and bacon. Then, add your diced potatoes, seasonings, and broth. Secure the lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes. 

After a natural release for 10 minutes, you can do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Blend some of the soup if you want it creamier, stir in your dairy ingredients, and then let it sit for a few minutes to warm through.

Can I Use Store Broth Or Should I Make My Own?

While homemade broth can undoubtedly add a depth of flavor to your Loaded Potato Soup, it is by no means a requirement. The store-bought broth is perfectly fine to use and significantly reduces prep time.

When selecting a store-bought broth, choose a high-quality one to ensure the best flavor. Look for low-sodium broths, so you have better control over the salt level in your soup. A good vegetable broth will work well if you’re making a vegetarian version of the Loaded Potato soup.

If you do have the time and resources to make your own broth, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use it. A homemade chicken or vegetable broth can really elevate the soup and give it a more personalized touch.

How To Serve ?

• Temperature: Ensure the soup is served piping hot. Not only does this enhance the flavors, but it also helps the toppings (like cheese) melt nicely into the soup.
• Bowl Selection: Choose a deep bowl to keep the soup warm for longer. Pre-warming the bowl in the oven or filling it with hot water (then emptying it) before serving can also help maintain the soup’s temperature.
• Garnish: Just before serving, garnish the soup with your toppings, like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and freshly chopped chives or green onions. This looks appetizing and gives your guests the joy of the mixed textures from the toppings.
• Accompaniments: Consider serving the soup with a slice of crusty bread, a bread roll, or a side salad. This helps to create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Serving Utensils: Use a ladle for serving the soup to avoid spills. A soup spoon is also the best utensil for your guests to use.

Perfect Side Dishes  

• Crusty Bread or Bread Rolls: The crunch of crusty bread contrasts beautifully with the soup’s creaminess, and it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can balance the soup’s richness. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw.
• Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned and roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots can add a nice variety of texture and flavor.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a truly indulgent meal, serve the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping.
• Baked Goods: A savory scone or muffin could complement the soup nicely.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: After cooking, let soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup as directed, excluding any toppings. Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding toppings just before serving for ultimate freshness. Enjoy your hearty, make-ahead meal any time!

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Freeze It: As previously mentioned, you can freeze the soup for later use. This works great if you have a lot of leftovers or if you like to meal prep.
• Lunch/Dinner: The soup makes a fantastic lunch or dinner the next day. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• New Dish: You could also repurpose the soup into a new dish. For instance, you could use it as a sauce over cooked chicken or vegetables or even use it as a base for a casserole.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Consider reducing the soup on the stove until it’s thicker, then use it as a topping for loaded baked potatoes. Add some additional cheese and broil the potatoes until the cheese is bubbly and brown.

tips

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier texture.
• Bacon Magic: Crisp bacon separately before adding it to the soup for maximum flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook: Be cautious not to overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy.
• Cheese Strategy: Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and ensure smooth consistency.
• Garnish Galore: Finish with green onions, extra cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a visually appealing and flavorful touch.

Nutrition Table