Hello, food lovers! Today, I'm sharing a recipe that is the epitome of comfort in a bowl: a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying loaded potato soup. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening, a hearty lunch, or anytime you need a culinary hug.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Shop Key Ingredients
- Chicken Broth
- All-Purpose Flour
- Dried Thyme
- Smoked Paprika
Full Recipe Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon drippings until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Melt the butter in the pot. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Reduce the heat to low. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potato for texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chives.
