Hearty Cheesy Loaded Potato Soup
Indulge in this Hearty Cheesy Loaded Potato Soup, a delightful and comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with layers of flavors from fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and hearty potatoes, this soup is not just filling but also incredibly delicious. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon and savory ham. Gather around with friends and family to share this warm, satisfying bowl of goodness that will surely become a household favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
carrot
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
broccoli florets
2 cups (chopped)
parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
chicken broth
5 cups (can use vegetable broth)
frozen cubed hash brown potatoes
32 ounces (thawed)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
celery salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
butter
6 tablespoons (for roux)
flour
1/3 cup (none)
milk
3 cups (none)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2-3 cups (none)
salt
to taste (none)
diced ham
1 cup (optional)
bacon
6 slices (cooked and crumbled, optional)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions, carrots, minced garlic, chopped broccoli, and parsley. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3
Pour in the chicken broth and add the thawed hash browns, paprika, pepper, and celery salt. Stir to combine.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
5
In a separate saucepan, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and continue to stir constantly for 3 minutes to cook the flour. This creates a roux that will help thicken the soup.
6
Slowly add the roux into the soup mixture, stirring well to incorporate.
7
Pour in the milk and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy. Cook on low until heated through.
8
Taste and add salt as needed. If desired, stir in the optional diced ham or crumbled bacon for added flavor and richness.
9
Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese, bacon, or parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this soup recipe?
The recipe is for Hearty Cheesy Loaded Potato Soup.
What are the primary vegetables in this potato soup?
The soup features onions, carrots, garlic, and 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets.
How much butter is needed in total for the recipe?
A total of 8 tablespoons is used: 2 tablespoons for sautéing vegetables and 6 tablespoons for the roux.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of frozen cubed hash brown potatoes, which should be thawed before use.
How do you thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened by creating a roux with 6 tablespoons of butter and 1/3 cup of flour, which is then stirred into the mixture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the optional ham and bacon toppings.
How long should I sauté the initial vegetables?
The onions, carrots, garlic, broccoli, and parsley should be sautéed for 5-7 minutes until softened.
What spices are used in this loaded potato soup?
The recipe uses paprika, pepper, and celery salt for seasoning.
How much liquid is required for the soup base?
The recipe requires 5 cups of chicken broth and 3 cups of milk.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 2-3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich flavor.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, it should simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe uses 2-3 minced garlic cloves.
What are the optional meat additions?
You can add 1 cup of diced ham or 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.
How do I cook the flour for the roux?
Stir the flour into melted butter constantly for 3 minutes to cook the flour before adding it to the soup.
When should I add the milk and cheese?
Add the milk and shredded sharp cheddar cheese after incorporating the roux into the soup mixture.
How much flour is needed for the thickening process?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of flour.
What type of onion should I use?
One medium chopped onion is specified for this recipe.
How much paprika is included in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
What is the recommended garnish?
You can garnish the soup with additional cheese, bacon, or parsley if desired.
How much celery salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt.
What is the consistency of the final soup?
The soup is described as creamy, hearty, and thick due to the roux and melted cheddar cheese.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a valid alternative listed in the ingredients.
How many cups of carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped carrots.
What is the final step before serving?
Taste the soup and add salt as needed, then stir in optional meats before serving hot.
How much pepper is added to the soup?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How much diced ham is suggested?
The recipe suggests 1 cup of optional diced ham.
How many slices of bacon should be used if choosing that topping?
Six slices of cooked and crumbled bacon are recommended as an optional addition.
What heat setting should be used for the final stage of cooking?
The soup should be cooked on low heat once the milk and cheese are added until heated through.
Is salt added in a specific measurement?
No, salt is added 'to taste' at the end of the cooking process.