Hearty Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
Indulge in the rich and heartwarming flavors of this Hearty Creamy Loaded Potato Soup, a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Inspired by popular restaurant versions, this homemade soup combines crispy bacon, creamy cheddar, and tender potatoes for a satisfying bowl that's perfect for chilly evenings. Topped with green onions and a dollop of sour cream, it's a filling dish that pleases every palate. Best of all, it's easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a hearty meal or a side dish, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
12 slices (cooked and crumbled)
margarine
2/3 cup (melted)
all-purpose flour
2/3 cup (none)
milk
7 cups (none)
baked potatoes
4 large (peeled and cubed)
green onions
4 (chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups (none)
sour cream
1 cup (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep skillet, place the bacon slices and cook over medium heat until they are crispy and browned. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, crumble it, and set aside.
2
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, melt the margarine over medium heat. Allow it to bubble but not brown.
3
Whisk in the flour gradually, creating a smooth roux. Cook the roux for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4
Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to ensure no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the cubed baked potatoes and chopped green onions to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil while stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, which will help meld the flavors together.
7
Stir in the reserved bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions and cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Creamy Loaded Potato Soup?
It is a rich and comforting soup that combines crispy bacon, creamy cheddar, and tender potatoes, inspired by popular restaurant versions.
How many slices of bacon are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
What type of potatoes should I use?
You should use 4 large baked potatoes that have been peeled and cubed.
How much milk is required?
You will need 7 cups of milk for this soup recipe.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe specifies 2/3 cup of margarine, you can typically substitute butter in equal amounts for a similar result.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.
How do I make the soup base?
Melt margarine, whisk in flour to create a roux, and then slowly pour in milk while whisking until thickened.
How long does it take to thicken the milk mixture?
It usually takes around 5-7 minutes of continuous whisking for the mixture to thicken.
When do I add the green onions?
The chopped green onions are added to the pot along with the cubed baked potatoes after the milk mixture has thickened.
How long should the soup simmer once it reaches a boil?
Once the soup reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
What kind of cheese is best for this soup?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
When do I add the sour cream?
Stir in the sour cream during the final cooking stage, along with the bacon, cheese, salt, and pepper.
How much salt and pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe calls for 4 chopped green onions.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 ingredients in this Hearty Creamy Loaded Potato Soup recipe.
What should I use to cook the soup?
A large stock pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for preparing this soup.
How long is the final cooking step?
After adding the final ingredients like cheese and sour cream, cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Is this soup suitable as a main meal?
Yes, it is a very filling dish that can be enjoyed as a hearty meal or a side dish.
How do I prevent lumps in my soup?
To prevent lumps, whisk in the flour gradually to the margarine and continuously whisk while slowly pouring in the milk.
Can I garnish the soup?
Yes, you can garnish the soup with additional green onions and shredded cheese before serving.
Should the potatoes be raw when added to the pot?
No, the recipe specifies using baked potatoes that are then peeled and cubed.
What heat level should I use for the roux?
The margarine should be melted and the flour whisked in over medium heat.
How do I know when the bacon is done?
The bacon is ready when it is crispy and browned, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is simple to prepare at home.
What makes the soup 'loaded'?
It is 'loaded' because it includes ingredients traditionally found on a loaded baked potato, such as bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour.
Should I peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions state that the baked potatoes should be peeled before being cubed and added to the soup.
What if my soup is too thick?
If the soup is thicker than you prefer, you can stir in a little extra milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use a skillet for the whole recipe?
A skillet is used for the bacon, but you should transfer to a large stock pot or Dutch oven for the soup itself.
Does the recipe use heavy cream?
No, this version uses 7 cups of milk and 1 cup of sour cream to achieve its creamy texture.