If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying classic that combines crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and tangy sour cream in a harmonious dance of flavors and textures. Each spoonful delivers rich, velvety soup with delightful chunks of tender potatoes and bits of smoky bacon that make this dish irresistibly crave-worthy. This recipe is a timeless favorite that’s simple to make but packed with layers of flavor, perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want a cozy, fulfilling meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a comforting, hearty bowl. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the soup’s creamy base, adding a savory kick, or providing vivid color and texture that keep every bite exciting.
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Brings smoky, crispy goodness and flavorful fat for cooking the aromatics.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Elevates the savory profile with a subtle aromatic punch.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the soup creating that luscious, velvety texture.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that melds everything together beautifully.
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and diced): The hearty star ingredient that creates creamy, tender chunks.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds richness and smoothness to the soup’s consistency.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Provides tanginess and silky creaminess to balance the flavors.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts for cheesy indulgence that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- Green onions (1/2 cup, sliced): Offers a fresh, mild bite and a pop of vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
- Additional garnishes: Extra shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped bacon, and green onions to top and personalize each serving.
How to Make Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cooking the chopped bacon until it turns deliciously crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but keep around 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot. This fat will infuse the soup with deep flavor as you cook the onion and garlic.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the reserved bacon fat, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This gentle cooking draws out the onion’s natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic essence without turning bitter.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onion and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key to cooking off the raw flour taste while forming a roux that thickens the soup, ensuring a perfectly creamy texture without clumps.
Step 4: Add Broth and Potatoes
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to incorporate it smoothly with no lumps. Then add the peeled and diced russet potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil to kickstart the cooking process, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and ready for the next step.
Step 5: Mash and Enrich
Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of them in the pot. This technique thickens the soup naturally while leaving some chunks for that delightful texture balance. Then stir in the milk, sour cream, and shredded cheddar until the soup is creamy and evenly combined.
Step 6: Season and Add Bacon and Green Onions
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to suit your taste. Stir in half of the cooked bacon and half of the sliced green onions, letting their flavors mingle gently into the soup, while saving the rest of the garnishes for a festive finish.
How to Serve Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what make this soup truly shine. Top each bowl with extra crispy bacon pieces, a dollop of cool sour cream, a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a scattering of fresh green onions. These garnishes not only enhance the flavors but also create an inviting, colorful presentation that will delight anyone lucky enough to dig in.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with simple, complementary sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, while warm crusty bread or garlic rolls invite dipping and scooping of every last spoonful. For an even cozier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli to boost the nutrition and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe for a dinner party or family gathering, consider presenting the garnishes buffet-style so guests can customize their bowls. Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch, or ladle it over baked potato halves topped with sour cream and cheese for a playful twist that doubles the potato love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a night, making the next serving even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before reheating because some ingredients may settle.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that dairy-heavy soups might separate slightly when thawed, but stirring well while reheating usually restores the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works fine too, just heat in intervals and stir between each to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra green onions or smoked paprika to maintain a rich, hearty flavor without the meat.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that provides similar tang and creaminess while adding a bit of protein. Just use the same amount, and stir it in gently to avoid curdling.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
While peeling ensures a smoother texture and traditional look, you can leave the skins on for added fiber and a rustic feel as long as you wash the potatoes thoroughly before dicing.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment! Try smoked gouda for an extra smoky note or pepper jack for a bit of heat. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Mashing some potatoes helps naturally thicken it, so adjust to your preference with additional broth or milk if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavors that make every spoonful feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this soup is a fantastic way to warm up any day. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and whip up this cozy classic – your taste buds will thank you!
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Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup is a rich and creamy American classic, packed with crispy bacon, tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of sour cream and milk for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra sour cream
- Extra chopped bacon
- Extra green onions
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure no lumps form. Add the diced potatoes, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Potatoes: Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Thicken Soup: Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the soup while still leaving chunks for texture.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the whole milk, sour cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully combined and creamy.
- Season and Combine: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in half of the cooked bacon and half of the sliced green onions.
- Serve with Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor and lighter texture.
- For a creamier texture, blend half the soup using an immersion blender before adding the dairy.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
