Amazing Loaded Potato Soup: Easy Stovetop Hit

Oh, you are going to LOVE this loaded potato soup recipe! Seriously, it’s the ultimate cozy comfort food, and the best part? You can whip it up right on your stovetop. No fancy equipment needed, just a good pot and a little bit of love. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it just so, and it always, always hits the spot. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need a big bowl of deliciousness. Get ready for your new favorite easy stovetop recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup: Easy Stovetop Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love about a big, warm bowl of loaded potato soup? This recipe is a total game-changer, especially when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have all day. It’s genuinely so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:

• Super Easy Stovetop Method: No oven needed! Everything happens right in one pot. It’s perfect for weeknights when you still want something delicious and homemade.
• Fast & Fuss-Free: With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’re looking at a fantastic meal in under an hour. Talk about efficient!
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s packed with savory goodness. This is the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out.
• Customizable Goodness: Load it up with your favorite toppings! Bacon, chives, extra cheese – make it your own!

Quick Prep and Cook Times for Your Loaded Potato Soup

Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. You’re only looking at about 15 minutes of actual chopping and stirring before it all goes into the pot. Then, just 30 minutes of simmering and you’ve got a glorious, homemade soup ready to go. It’s proof that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to take all afternoon!

Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor

Oh, the texture! It’s so wonderfully creamy and smooth, with just enough potato chunks if you don’t blend it all the way. And the cheese? It melts in beautifully, making every spoonful rich and decadent. You get that lovely savory flavor from the onions, garlic, and broth, all perfectly balanced. It’s just pure, delicious goodness in a bowl!

Gather Your Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup

Okay, let’s get our pantry prepped! The beauty of this loaded potato soup is that you probably have most of these things already. It’s all about simple, good-quality ingredients that come together to make something truly special. So, grab your apron and let’s get these goodies ready!

Potatoes: The Heart of Your Loaded Potato Soup

We need about 2 pounds of potatoes for this recipe. I usually go for Yukon Golds or Russets, but honestly, whatever you have on hand works great! Just make sure you peel them and then dice them up into bite-sized pieces. It helps them cook evenly.

Aromatics and Flavor Base

You’ll need one medium onion, chopped up nice and fine. Also, grab a couple of cloves of garlic and mince them up really small. These little guys are going to build all that amazing flavor right at the start!

Broth and Dairy for Creaminess

We’re using 4 cups of broth – chicken or veggie broth both work perfectly here, depending on what you like. Then, for that luscious creamy texture, we’ll add a cup of milk and a half cup of heavy cream. Don’t skip the cream, trust me!

Bacon and Cheese: The “Loaded” Elements

Of course, we need bacon! Cook about 4 slices until they’re nice and crispy, then crumble them up. You’ll also want about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar gives it a great kick!

Roux Ingredients for Thickness

To make sure our soup isn’t watery, we’ll use 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This little combo makes a roux that thickens everything up beautifully.

Seasoning and Optional Toppings

Salt and black pepper are a must for seasoning. And for toppings? Oh, the possibilities! I love adding a dollop of sour cream, some fresh chives, maybe a little extra cheese or bacon. It’s all about making this bowl your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Loaded Potato Soup

Alright, let’s get cooking this amazing loaded potato soup! It’s actually way simpler than it sounds, and watching it come together is half the fun. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a bowl of pure comfort in no time.

Building the Flavor Base

First things first, grab a nice big pot or a Dutch oven. Melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s all shimmery, toss in your chopped onion. Let those cook down until they’re nice and soft, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic. Be careful not to burn it – just a minute is all it takes for that amazing garlic smell to fill your kitchen!

Creating the Roux and Broth Mixture

Now, sprinkle in the flour and stir it around with the onions and garlic for about a minute. This is making a roux, which will thicken our soup like a dream. Slowly, gradually, whisk in your broth. Keep whisking until it’s all smooth and there are no lumps. It should look like a lovely, slightly thick liquid base.

Cooking the Potatoes to Perfection

Time for the star of the show – the potatoes! Add your diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the whole thing up to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to a simmer. Pop a lid on it, but leave it a little cracked. Let those potatoes cook until they’re super tender when you poke them with a fork, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Achieving Creamy Texture with Blending

This is where the magic happens! Carefully scoop about half of the soup into a regular blender, or if you have one, use an immersion blender right in the pot. If you’re using a regular blender, fill it only about halfway, hold that lid down TIGHT with a kitchen towel (seriously, hot soup splatters!), and blend until it’s smooth. Pour that creamy goodness back into the pot. It makes the soup so rich and luscious!

Finishing Your Loaded Potato Soup

Now we’re almost there! Stir in the milk and the heavy cream. Give it a gentle stir and let it heat through. The most important thing here is *don’t let it boil* after you add the dairy, or it might get weird. Once it’s warm, slowly stir in your shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and the soup is wonderfully creamy and cheesy.

Seasoning and Serving Your Homemade Soup

Taste your soup! Add salt and black pepper until it tastes just right to you. Ladle that gorgeous, creamy loaded potato soup into bowls. Now for the fun part – pile on those toppings! Crumbled bacon, fresh chives, a little extra cheese… whatever makes your heart happy. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!

Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup

You know, sometimes the little things make all the difference in turning a good soup into a *great* soup. Here are a few of my go-to tricks for making sure this loaded potato soup is absolutely perfect every single time.

Potato Choice Matters for Your Soup

While you can use just about any potato, Yukon Golds or Russets are my favorites for potato recipes soup. Yukon Golds give a really lovely creamy texture without getting too starchy, and Russets work great too, especially if you like a slightly thicker soup base.

Adjusting Soup Thickness and Creaminess

If you like your soup extra thick and hearty, just use a little less broth or add an extra potato or two. For a super creamy texture, make sure you’re blending enough of the potatoes – that’s key! And don’t be shy with that heavy cream; it really makes it luxurious.

Cheese Variations for Your Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheddar is classic, but don’t stop there! A sharp white cheddar adds a nice bite, or try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. Gruyere also adds a sophisticated, nutty flavor if you’re feeling fancy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Loaded Potato Soup

This loaded potato soup is practically a meal in itself, but serving it with a few simple sides really makes it shine! I love pairing it with a crusty bread, like a sourdough or a warm baguette, for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy goodness. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also fantastic – it cuts through the richness of the soup and adds a nice fresh element. Think of a crisp green salad with some cherry tomatoes and cucumber. If you’re feeling extra hungry, some cheesy garlic bread or even some oyster crackers on the side are always a hit. It’s all about creating that perfect cozy meal!

Storage and Reheating Your Loaded Potato Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This loaded potato soup actually tastes even better the next day. Once it’s cooled down a bit, just scoop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir it often so it doesn’t stick, and add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave, just make sure to stir it halfway through. Avoid boiling it, though, as that can change the texture a bit. So easy to enjoy this comforting soup again and again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Potato Soup

Got questions about this easy stovetop recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things people ask about making this loaded potato soup.

Can I make this Loaded Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and make sure your bacon is vegetarian (or just skip it!). It’s still a super delicious and hearty soup that way.

What are the best potatoes for this soup?

I really love using Yukon Gold potatoes because they get so creamy and tender. Russets are also a great choice, especially if you want a slightly thicker soup. Just make sure they’re peeled and diced!

How can I make my potato soup thicker?

If you want an even thicker soup, you can use a little less broth to start with, or add an extra potato or two. Another trick is to make sure you blend enough of the soup really well. For a super thick soup, you could even try a cornstarch slurry, but usually, the potatoes do the job perfectly!

Nutritional Estimate for Loaded Potato Soup

Just so you know, the nutritional info can change depending on exactly what you use and how much you load up on toppings! But as a general estimate, this loaded potato soup recipe offers about 450 calories per serving. You’re looking at around 28g of fat, 15g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. These numbers are just a guideline, so enjoy your delicious bowl!

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