Ultimate Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese

Ultimate Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon and Melty Cheese

Introduction

Loaded Potato Soup is the definition of comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or when you want to indulge in something hearty and delicious. This recipe is filled with tender potatoes, savory bacon, and a rich, creamy broth topped with gooey cheese. The crispy bacon and fresh herbs add the perfect finishing touches to this satisfying soup. If you’re craving a rich, velvety soup, look no further!


Ingredients

For the Soup:

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

For the Toppings:

  • 6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Crusty bread for dipping (optional)


Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

  1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the broth boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic and Butter: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the butter until melted and combined with the onions and garlic.

Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base

  1. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes right in the pot. Leave some chunks for texture and add a little bit of the broth for extra creaminess.
  2. Add the Dairy: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Melt in the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the soup, making it creamy and flavorful. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Toppings and Serve

  1. Crisp the Bacon: While the soup is simmering, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces.
  2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled bacon, extra cheese (optional), and freshly chopped parsley.
  3. Optional: Serve with crusty bread or baguette slices on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

  • For a Thicker Soup: To make the soup even thicker and creamier, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup while leaving some potato chunks for texture.
  • Add Spice: If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking the onions and garlic.
  • Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting and Hearty: With the perfect balance of creamy potatoes, crunchy bacon, and melty cheese, this soup is sure to satisfy.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings to your liking—add sour cream, chives, or green onions for even more flavor.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Creamy Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort. Rich, creamy, and filled with savory bacon and melted cheese, it’s a meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Easy to make and fully customizable, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy it with a slice of warm crusty bread and you’ve got the perfect cozy meal!

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