loaded potato soup

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cooking Potatoes:

1. Cook Potatoes: In a large pot, cover diced potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Cooking Bacon and Vegetables:

1. Cook Bacon: In the same pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the bacon grease, sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.

Making the Soup Base:

1. Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Add Broth and Milk: Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth and milk. Continue whisking to avoid lumps.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes or until it thickens slightly.

Finishing the Soup:

1. Add Potatoes: Add the cooked diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine.
2. Add Cheese and Sour Cream: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
3. Season: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving:

1. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the loaded potato soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and fresh parsley.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the loaded potato soup hot with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for an extra treat.
3. Enjoy: Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of this loaded potato soup!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a dollop of additional sour cream. Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or milk to suit your preference.