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To make loaded creamy potato soup, you need the following ingredients: - 6 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled turkey bacon (or crispy chickpeas for vegetarian option) - 2 green onions, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) This mix brings comfort in a bowl. The russet potatoes create a thick base. Onion and garlic add a sweet touch. The vegetable broth gives depth and flavor. Heavy cream and sour cream make it rich and creamy. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp bite, while bacon or chickpeas give a savory crunch. Green onions finish it off with freshness. This blend of ingredients works together to make a warm and cozy dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step helps build flavor in our soup. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about five minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. This aroma will make your kitchen smell amazing! Next, it’s time for the star of the show: the potatoes! Add the peeled and cubed russet potatoes to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, which adds depth and warmth. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat. Let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and easy to pierce with a fork. Now we make it creamy! You can use a potato masher or an immersion blender. If you want a chunkier soup, mash it lightly. For a super smooth texture, blend it more. After blending, stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic happens! Let the cheese melt and mix into the soup. Finally, add the cooked turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and let it heat through for another five minutes. This is the moment to taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. Enjoy the warmth of this cozy soup! To achieve the right creaminess, start by mashing your potatoes. I like to use a potato masher for a bit of chunkiness. If you prefer a smooth soup, an immersion blender works great. You can decide how much to mash based on your taste. More mash gives you a thicker soup, while less keeps it lighter. Always remember to taste as you go. Herbs and spices can boost your dish. I suggest adding fresh thyme or a pinch of garlic powder. Both add depth without being overpowering. You can also explore different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, but feel free to mix in some gouda for a smoky flavor. Cheese lovers might even try blue cheese for a bold twist. Garnishing your soup makes it more inviting. I love adding chopped green onions and a sprinkle of cheese on top. You can also drizzle a swirl of sour cream right before serving. This adds a nice touch and looks great. Serving in colorful bowls can brighten up your table and make the meal feel special. Pro Tips Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: For a creamier texture and buttery flavor, consider using Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russet potatoes. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like crispy onions, jalapeños, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor and presentation. Make it Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove. Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more vegetable broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can make this soup vegetarian by using crispy chickpeas instead of bacon. Simply roast the chickpeas until they are crunchy. This adds a great texture and flavor without meat. You can also substitute the vegetable broth with a mushroom broth. This gives the soup a richer taste. Want to spice things up? Try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These spices can give your soup a kick. You can also mix in different vegetables like corn or bell peppers. This not only adds flavor but also makes the soup colorful and fun. Make this soup shine with seasonal produce. In fall, add pumpkin or butternut squash for a warm twist. In spring, fresh peas or asparagus can brighten it up. You can adjust the recipe based on what is fresh and available. This keeps your soup exciting all year round. To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This way, it stays fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts and stir in between. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Then, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can stay good for about three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can place the sealed bag in cold water. Once thawed, reheat it on the stove. Stir well and ensure it's hot all the way through before serving. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge. To store, let the soup cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. This way, your soup stays creamy and delicious. To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free vegetable broth. Most broths are safe, but double-check labels. You can also skip the cream and use coconut cream instead. This will keep it rich and creamy. Make sure to use gluten-free bacon or chickpeas as well. This way, you enjoy the same great taste without gluten. This soup pairs well with different side dishes. A simple green salad adds a fresh touch. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Grilled cheese sandwiches are another great option. For a lighter side, try steamed vegetables. These options help balance the rich flavors of the soup. This blog post covered how to make delicious Loaded Creamy Potato Soup. We started with key ingredients, then walked through the easy steps from preparation to blending. Tips helped enhance flavor, texture, and presentation. You also learned about variations for dietary needs, storage methods, and FAQs. In cooking, there's always room for creativity. Use these ideas to make this soup your own! Enjoy every comforting bite of your creation.

Loaded Creamy Potato Soup

A rich and hearty potato soup loaded with creamy goodness and topped with cheese and green onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 sour cream
  • 1 2 cooked, crumbled turkey bacon (or crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
  • Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  • Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to partially mash the potatoes. For a creamier texture, you can blend more thoroughly.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and blend into the soup.
  • Add the cooked turkey bacon (or crispy chickpeas), thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine and let the soup heat through for another 5 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls and add a swirl of sour cream on top for an elegant touch. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese and green onions for color and garnish.
Keyword comfort food, creamy, loaded, potato, soup