Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Build the Soup
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Season: Add the paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
- Incorporate Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream until fully combined and the soup is creamy.
- Melt Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it’s melted and the soup is smooth.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can also transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Add Bacon: Stir in half of the crispy bacon bits, reserving the rest for garnish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down nicely and create a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Cheese Melting: Add the cheese gradually and ensure the soup is not boiling when you add it. This helps prevent the cheese from becoming grainy.
- Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less chicken broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Why This Recipe Works
Loaded potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of bacon, cheese, and creamy potatoes into one delicious bowl. The addition of sour cream and heavy cream ensures a luxurious texture, while the bacon and cheese add savory depth. Garnishing with additional toppings makes each bowl customizable and extra special.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and leeks for added flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños along with the onions for a spicy kick, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Lighter Version: Use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon substitute.
Enjoy this comforting and hearty Loaded Potato Soup, a perfect meal for cozy evenings and gatherings with family and friends!