Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This creamy soup is packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal on its own. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, extra bacon bits

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon grease until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Make the Roux:
   • In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it is lightly golden and bubbling.
   • Gradually add the roux to the soup, stirring well to combine. This will help thicken the soup.
5. Finish the Soup:
   • Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon, extra cheese, chopped green onions, and any other desired toppings.
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips:

• For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some of the potatoes directly in the pot, or blend a portion of the soup in a regular blender before adding the cream and cheese.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more potatoes.
• This soup can be easily doubled to serve a crowd, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Loaded Potato Soup is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s rich, creamy, and full of classic loaded potato flavors that everyone will love!