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Here are the ingredients you need for loaded potato soup. Each item adds flavor and creaminess to the dish. - 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish) - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 slices crispy turkey bacon, chopped (optional) - 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and hearty soup. The russet potatoes give it a nice texture. The heavy cream and cheddar cheese add depth and flavor. You can customize the ingredients. Try using different cheeses or adding more veggies. If you want a lighter version, use less cream. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. 1. First, heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. 3. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until you smell the garlic's aroma. 4. Now, add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot. Mix it all together. 1. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. 2. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, around 15 to 20 minutes. 3. After the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender. Mash the soup to your desired consistency, keeping some chunks for texture. 1. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts. 2. Add 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add more vegetable broth. 4. Serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy turkey bacon, extra cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To get the best texture in your loaded potato soup, you have two great options: a potato masher or an immersion blender. If you want some chunks, a potato masher is perfect. It gives you control over how smooth or chunky your soup is. On the other hand, an immersion blender creates a super creamy soup. Just blend until you reach the texture you like. To achieve the right creaminess, start with the right amount of heavy cream. You can always add more if you want it creamier. If it gets too thick, just stir in a bit more vegetable broth. Cheese brings flavor and richness to the soup. I highly recommend using sharp cheddar for a great taste. It melts well and adds a nice bite. If you want to mix it up, consider gouda or pepper jack for a kick. If you need a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or nutritional yeast. Both give a nice flavor and help you keep that creamy texture. Customizing your soup with herbs and spices can make a big difference. I love adding fresh chives or parsley for a fresh taste. You can also try adding a bit of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Balancing flavors is key. If your soup tastes too salty, add a splash of lemon juice. If it’s bland, try a bit more salt and pepper. Taste as you go to find what you like best. {{image_2}} You can make loaded potato soup even better with fun add-ins. For a twist, try adding vegetables like broccoli or carrots. They add color and nutrition. You can also mix in meats like ham or chicken for added flavor. Just chop them small and stir them in while cooking. If you need a gluten-free soup, you can easily make it. Just make sure to use gluten-free broth. For a vegan version, swap the cream and cheese for coconut milk and nutritional yeast. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. These simple swaps keep the taste rich and creamy. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A side of garlic bread is always a hit too. For garnishing, get creative! Top the soup with a sprinkle of extra cheese or some crispy turkey bacon. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a nice touch. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for extra flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. After you finish your loaded potato soup, cool it down. Place it in airtight containers. This helps keep the soup fresh. If you don’t have airtight containers, you can use plastic wrap. Make sure to cover the soup tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat the soup, avoid the microwave if you can. The stovetop is better for keeping the texture. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it on low. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If you must use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir it in between to ensure even warming. You can freeze loaded potato soup for later. First, cool it completely. Then, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To make your loaded potato soup thicker, you can use a few simple tricks. First, mash the potatoes more. This will break them down and add more creaminess. Second, add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the soup and cook until it thickens. Lastly, let the soup simmer longer. This will allow it to reduce and become denser. Yes, you can use different types of potatoes! While russet potatoes are great, you can also try Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Yukon Gold gives a creamy texture, while red potatoes keep some skin, adding nice color. Each type will change the taste slightly, but all will work well in this soup. If you want to skip heavy cream, there are good options. You can use half-and-half for a lighter touch. Another choice is whole milk mixed with a bit of butter. This will keep the soup rich. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These will add creaminess without the dairy. You now have a great recipe for loaded potato soup. We covered the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a perfect dish. You can customize it with veggies or make it dairy-free. Storing your leftovers is easy, and reheating them is simple too. Experiment with flavors and enjoy each bowl. This dish will warm your kitchen and heart, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Loaded Potato Soup

Warm up with this delicious Creamy Loaded Potato Soup that’s perfect for any season! Made with hearty russet potatoes, rich heavy cream, and topped with cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon, this recipe is comfort food at its finest. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, it’s a satisfying dish for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this creamy delight to your table!
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Ingredients
  

6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)

1/4 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

4 slices crispy turkey bacon, chopped (optional)

3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

        Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the soup to your desired consistency (leave some chunks for texture).

          Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, sour cream, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth until the desired consistency is reached.

              Serve hot, garnished with crispy turkey bacon (if using), extra cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6