Loaded Potato Soup: A Comforting Dish Topped with Crispy Bacon and Cheese

Introduction

Indulge in a bowl of creamy and savory Loaded Potato Soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal. This hearty soup is made with tender potatoes, rich cheese, and crispy bacon, all topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Served with a slice of toasted bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Toppings:

• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
• Toasted bread (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring the diced potatoes and chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
2. Add Butter: Stir in the butter until melted and combined with the onions and garlic.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

1. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes slightly, leaving some chunks for texture.
2. Add the Cream and Milk: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Simmer the soup for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Stir in the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy base. Season the soup with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Prepare the Bacon: While the soup is simmering, cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, and fresh parsley. Serve with a side of toasted bread for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Success

• Creamier Texture: For an extra creamy texture, use a hand blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some potato chunks for a thicker consistency.
• More Flavor: Add a splash of sour cream to the soup for a tangy twist or use smoked cheddar for an enhanced smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese, this soup is satisfying and hearty.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, such as green onions, sour cream, or extra cheese, to make this soup your own.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the best flavors of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s easy to make, full of rich flavors, and perfect for warming up on a cold day. Give it a try, and let this delicious soup become your new go-to recipe for cozy meals!