The Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup: A Comforting Delight

Loaded Potato Soup is a classic dish that never fails to satisfy cravings for warmth and comfort. With its creamy texture, flavorful potatoes, crispy bacon, and a medley of toppings, this soup has become a go-to for many food lovers. In this blog post, we will explore the key ingredients, its history, ideas to diversify the recipe, the best pairings, storage tips, and frequently asked questions about this delectable dish.

Back Story

Loaded Potato Soup has its roots in American culinary traditions. It originated as a variation of the classic baked potato, which was then transformed into a creamy, comforting soup. The dish gained popularity in the late 20th century, and ever since, it has become a staple in restaurants and homes across the country.

Key Ingredients

Potatoes: The star of the show! Choose starchy or all-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Russet, for the best results.

Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor and satisfying crunch to the soup.

Cheese: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to create a gooey, melty topping.

Sour Cream: For added creaminess and tanginess, incorporate a dollop of sour cream into the soup or as a garnish on top.

Green Onions: These provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and add a pop of color to the dish.

Seasonings: Garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or chives can be added to enhance the overall taste. I love to keep it simple and just use creole seasoning!

Diversifying the Recipe

Although Loaded Potato Soup is already delicious on its own, there are many ways to diversify the recipe and make it your own. Consider adding ingredients like caramelized onions, roasted garlic, corn, or even bits of ham. For a healthier twist, you can substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower to reduce the carb content while still maintaining the creamy texture.

Best Pairing

Loaded Potato Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. A warm, crusty bread, such as a baguette or homemade garlic bread, makes an excellent sidekick. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. The contrasting textures and flavors complement each other perfectly.

Storage

If you have leftovers or want to prepare Loaded Potato Soup in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to adjust the consistency.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze loaded potato soup?

A: Yes, you can freeze loaded potato soup. However, keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may slightly change upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: Absolutely! There are numerous vegetarian and vegan adaptations available for loaded potato soup. Replace bacon with plant-based alternatives or skip it altogether. Use vegetable broth and dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese or coconut milk for added creaminess.

Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

A: Yes, leftover mashed potatoes can serve as a great base for loaded potato soup. Adjust the consistency by adding broth or milk as needed.

The Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup: A Comforting Delight

Recipe by Alden B.Course: AppetizersCuisine: American

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Loaded Potato Soup is a comforting American classic, packed with creamy potatoes, smoked bacon, and rich cheese, perfected with toppings like sour cream and green onions.

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 6-8 slices of bacon, chopped

• 1/4 c butter

• 1/3 c all purpose flour

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbs garlic paste or 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 c heavy cream

• 1 cup of whole milk

• 1/2 cup of sour cream

• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• 1 tsp Southern Made Creole Seasoning or cajun seasoning of your choice

• salt & pepper to taste

• Optional toppings: additional shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, crumbled bacon

Directions

• In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
• In the same pot, add butter and sauté the onions for 4 minutes or until tender. Add in garlic paste and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
• Sprinkle in all purpose flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes.
• Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with milk and heavy cream. Season with creole seasoning and remember, “If you ain’t sneezing, it ain’t seasoned!” Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
• Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to create a creamy texture while still leaving some potato chunks for added texture.
• Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
• Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and any additional desired toppings.
• Serve hot and just like my name, you’re all done!

Notes

• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients such as corn, chopped cooked ham, or herbs like thyme or rosemary. Get creative and make it your own!
• This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings, but can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or leftovers.
• Leftover loaded potato soup can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace dairy products with plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese, non-dairy milk, and vegan sour cream.