introduction

When the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul and warm the body. And when it comes to comfort in a bowl, few recipes rival the timeless classic: Loaded Potato Soup. Creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this dish is a favorite for good reason. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for this comforting culinary delight.

Ingredients

– 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional garnishes: additional shredded cheese, chopped chives, diced avocado

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a creamy texture.

2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup base.

3. **Add the Potatoes and Broth:** Add the diced potatoes to the pot, along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. **Blend the Soup:** Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer portions of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

5. **Add the Cream and Cheese:** Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. This step adds richness and indulgence to the soup.

6. **Season to Taste:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Remember that the bacon and cheese add saltiness, so be cautious not to oversalt.

7. **Serve and Garnish:** Ladle the loaded potato soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and any other desired toppings, such as additional shredded cheese, chopped chives, or diced avocado.

**Tips for Success:**

– For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of milk or more heavy cream.
– Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Other delicious options include diced ham, crispy fried onions, or a sprinkle of paprika.
– To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply use vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can also add vegetarian bacon bits for a similar flavor profile.

Conclusion

Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up on cold days or cozy nights in. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on its own or paired with crusty bread or a crisp salad, this soup never fails to delight. Give this recipe a try, and savor the warmth and comfort it brings with every spoonful.