Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe

Imagine a bowl of creamy, rich soup loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. That’s exactly what you get with this hearty Loaded Potato Soup. It's a perfect dish for any time of year, but especially comforting during chilly evenings. If you love a fully loaded baked potato, you're going to adore this soup version! Stay with us and discover how to make this delicious recipe with easy step-by-step instructions.

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What is Loaded Potato Soup?

Loaded Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and indulgent soup made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and all the classic toppings you'd find on a baked potato. The soup is thick, comforting, and packed with flavor, offering the same satisfaction you get from a loaded baked potato but in a spoonable form. It's a popular comfort food in many homes, known for being both filling and customizable. You can easily adjust the toppings to suit your preferences and make it as hearty or light as you want.

Ingredients List for Loaded Potato Soup

For this tasty and rich soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes: 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes.
• Bacon: 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping).
• Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced.
• Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version).
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for creaminess.
• Flour: ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to help thicken the soup.
• Milk: 2 cups of whole milk for a creamy base.
• Sour Cream: ½ cup of sour cream for tang and richness.
• Green Onions: ¼ cup of green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Extra crispy bacon, shredded cheese, chopped chives, or sour cream.

Ingredient List for Optional Additions

While the base recipe for Loaded Potato Soup is a classic, there are many optional ingredients that can add a new dimension of flavor or accommodate dietary needs:

• Ham: Diced ham can be added for a heartier version.
• Cayenne Pepper or Hot Sauce: To add a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese for an extra creamy and tangy flavor.
• Leeks: Swap out the onion for leeks to add a subtle oniony flavor that is slightly milder.
• Carrots and Celery: Add a diced carrot and a celery stalk for more vegetables and a slight sweetness.
• Broccoli: Add steamed or blanched broccoli florets to increase the nutrition and give it a loaded broccoli-cheddar twist.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Loaded Potato Soup is that it's highly adaptable. Here are a few ways to change it up:

• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or coconut milk in place of the whole milk and heavy cream, and substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoky paprika for a bacon-like flavor without the meat.
• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cheese, milk, and sour cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter and use olive oil instead.
• Loaded Sweet Potato Soup: Swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a more nutrient-dense and slightly sweeter version of this classic.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making a delicious pot of Loaded Potato Soup:

1. Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble the bacon once it's cool and set aside. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot to sauté the onions.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions to the pot with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Create a Roux: Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, making sure the flour doesn't burn. This will help thicken the soup.
4. Add the Potatoes and Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Mash or Blend the Potatoes: At this point, you can either leave the potatoes as they are for a chunkier soup, or use a potato masher to mash some of them for a thicker, creamier texture. You can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
6. Add the Milk and Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth.
7. Add the Sour Cream: Finally, stir in the sour cream for added richness and a little tang. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.

How to Cook Loaded Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Loaded Potato Soup is an easy and satisfying process that yields an indulgent, rich dish. The key steps involve creating a roux for thickening, cooking the potatoes until tender, and slowly adding the dairy and cheese to avoid curdling. Take care to cook the bacon first, as its rendered fat adds a smoky depth of flavor to the base of the soup. By following these steps, you’ll get a perfectly creamy and well-balanced soup every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will break down completely, turning the soup into a mashed potato-like texture. Keep an eye on the potatoes and cook until just tender.
• Curdling the Dairy: If you add the milk and cream too quickly or at too high a temperature, it may curdle. Always lower the heat before adding dairy and stir constantly.
• Adding Cheese Too Quickly: Cheese can seize up and become grainy if added too quickly or at too high a temperature. Lower the heat and stir in the cheese slowly for a smooth texture.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Potatoes can soak up a lot of flavor, so be sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving Loaded Potato Soup can be as fun and customizable as eating it! Here are some ideas to elevate the presentation:

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and serve the soup inside for a rustic and indulgent touch.
• Colorful Garnishes: Use chopped green onions, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream or hot sauce to create a visually appealing contrast against the creamy soup.
• Crispy Toppings: Make homemade croutons or toast some extra bread on the side to add a crunchy element.

How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded Potato Soup can be served on its own for a filling and satisfying meal, but it also pairs well with:

• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough for dipping.
• Salads: A light, crisp side salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Combine with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food duo.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Potato Soup

• Layered Presentation: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each bowl with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions in separate layers, allowing diners to mix it together as they eat.
• Rustic Pots: Serve the soup in rustic earthenware bowls for a cozy, homemade feel.

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the soup a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Add the dairy and cheese after reheating to avoid curdling.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but it's best to leave out the dairy before freezing. When reheating, add the milk, cream, and cheese after thawing.
• Consistency Adjustments: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Loaded Potato Soup? Yes, but it's best to freeze the soup before adding the dairy. Once thawed, stir in the cream and cheese during reheating to maintain the smooth texture.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like carrots and celery for more flavor.
3. What kind of potatoes should I use? Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they are starchy and break down well, creating a creamier texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option for a slightly smoother, buttery texture.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Cook the bacon separately and then add all ingredients (except the dairy and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the dairy and cheese at the end.

Conclusion

Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together all the delicious toppings of a loaded baked potato into a warm, creamy bowl of goodness. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or make it as rich or light as you prefer. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty main dish or a side, this soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy your warm bowl of comfort!

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