Cozy Loaded Potato Soup: A Heartwarming Treat
As the leaves begin to change and a brisk chill fills the air, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of loaded potato soup. This creamy, golden delight is the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace, reminiscent of chilly evenings spent by the fire with family and friends.
When I think of this soup, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood, watching my grandmother stir a huge pot on the stove while the wonderful aroma filled the house. It was a special treat we savored together, laden with crispy turkey bacon and topped with vibrant green onions.
Perfect for those easy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend gatherings, this loaded potato soup is sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: Each spoonful offers a rich and velvety texture that warms your soul.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the appeal of cheesy, buttery potatoes!
- Easy to Make: Whip it up in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch everyone will love.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup can easily be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your loaded potato soup:
- 8-10 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 1 pack turkey bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate the green for garnish)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 48 oz chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cheddar cheese
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon bae seasoning (blend of lemon pepper and old bay)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Loaded Potato Soup
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps for a cozy bowl of deliciousness:
In a large pot, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into pieces; set aside. The sizzling sound will already fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma!
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. The sweetness of the onions mingling with the bacon flavor is irresistible.
Peel and cube the potatoes and add them to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as the potatoes soften.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little bit of milk to create a slurry. Stir this into the pot to help thicken the soup.
Add the remaining milk and heavy cream, then stir in the cheese, sour cream, garlic and herb seasoning, and lemon bae seasoning. The soup will turn into a creamy dream!
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheeses are melted and everything is well combined.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and crispy turkey bacon. Each bowl is a treat meant to be savored!
Fun Ways to Customize It
Here are some delicious variations to try for your loaded potato soup:
- Zesty Addition: Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a kick!
- Veggie Lovers: Toss in some chopped broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Creamy Mushroom: Sauté some mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth.
- Herby Freshness: Add fresh chives or thyme right at the end for a burst of freshness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This soup tastes even better the next day, so make a double batch and store leftovers for a quick meal!
- Ingredient Swaps: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you want it a bit lighter.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Nutrition Information per Serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 35g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This soup keeps well and is perfect for making in advance.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to personalize it with your favorite vegetables or different cheeses.
How do I store leftovers?
Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
How long does it last?
Stored properly in the fridge, it will last about 4 days.
A Cozy Closing Note
This loaded potato soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that encourages gathering around the table and sharing smiles. It’s rich and creamy, bursting with flavor, and will fill your kitchen with comforting aromas.
Save this Loaded Potato Soup to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a warm, comforting treat!
Print
Cozy Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A heartwarming loaded potato soup that offers creamy comfort with every spoonful, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 8–10 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 1 pack turkey bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate the green for garnish)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 48 oz chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cheddar cheese
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon bae seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into pieces; set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Peel and cube the potatoes and add them to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Mix the flour with a little bit of milk to create a slurry. Stir this into the pot to help thicken the soup.
- Add the remaining milk and heavy cream, then stir in the cheese, sour cream, garlic and herb seasoning, and lemon bae seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheeses are melted and everything is well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and crispy turkey bacon.
Notes
This soup keeps well and is perfect for making in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
