Loaded Potato Soup
Loaded Potato Soup is one of those comforting dishes that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or even as a hearty lunch. This rich, creamy soup combines tender potatoes, savory bacon, and plenty of cheese, making it a favorite among families and friends alike. Whether you’re gathering around the table on a cold night or prepping for a gathering, this recipe is sure to please your crowd!
What You’ll Need for Loaded Potato Soup
To whip up this delicious soup, gather these ingredients:
- 1 package (12 oz) turkey bacon
- 1 ½ cups chopped onion
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 lb baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ⅔ cup butter
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup diced cooked turkey
- 1 container (8 oz) sour cream
- 2 ½ cups (10 oz) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
- ¾ cup sliced green onions, divided
Step-by-Step Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your loaded potato soup:
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Cook the Bacon and Onion
- In a large skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat for about 6 to 7 minutes, until it turns crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside, keeping 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the drippings and cook until softened, about 6 minutes.
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Simmer the Potatoes
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the cooked onion, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to mash with a fork.
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Make the Roux
- In the same skillet used for the bacon, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour using a whisk until it’s smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until blended and smooth.
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Build the Soup Base
- Pour the milk mixture into the pot with the potatoes and broth. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, along with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens and begins to bubble.
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Add the Fillings
- Stir in the diced turkey, half of the crispy bacon, the sour cream, 2 cups of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of the green onions. Cook gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
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Serve with Toppings
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the remaining bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions. Enjoy it hot alongside a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal!
How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup
Serving this soup is simple yet satisfying! Ladle it into a deep bowl to keep it warm, and garnish generously with your crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions. For an extra touch, you can serve it with some freshly baked bread for dipping or a vibrant side salad to balance the creaminess of the soup. Invite your friends and family to gather around the table and savor each spoonful together!
Expert Tips for Loaded Potato Soup
- Make It Extra Creamy: For an even richer texture, you can substitute half-and-half or cream for some of the milk.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped carrots or celery when cooking the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the soup while it simmers.
Loaded Potato Soup FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the turkey bacon and turkey. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
3. What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If Cheddar isn’t your favorite, you can substitute any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a different flavor twist!
This Loaded Potato Soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. So, grab your ingredients, and let this creamy delight fill your kitchen with its irresistible aroma. You’ll want to savor every last spoonful!
Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat for about 6 to 7 minutes, until it turns crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside, keeping 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the drippings and cook until softened, about 6 minutes.
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the cooked onion, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to mash with a fork.
- In the same skillet used for the bacon, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in the flour using a whisk until it’s smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until blended and smooth.
- Pour the milk mixture into the pot with the potatoes and broth.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, along with salt and pepper.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens and begins to bubble.
- Stir in the diced turkey, half of the crispy bacon, the sour cream, 2 cups of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of the green onions.
- Cook gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the remaining bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions.
- Enjoy it hot alongside a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal!
