Ah, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods – Creamy and Loaded Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup! This dish is not just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. Whenever I whip up a batch, I’m instantly transported to chilly evenings with family, gathering around the dining table with happy chatter and laughter. There’s something about the creamy texture and the scoops of cheesy goodness blended with the salty crunch of bacon that makes my heart sing.
The beauty of this soup is that you can customize it to your heart’s desire! Sometimes I pack in a few extra veggies or swap in different cheeses depending on what I’ve got on hand. It’s versatile, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser – whether it’s a weeknight dinner reason or a cozy gathering. So, let’s dive into the glorious details of what makes this soup so special!
What’s in Creamy and Loaded Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup?
Russet Potatoes: The star of our show! These starchy beauties break down beautifully in the soup, providing that velvety base we all crave.
Onion: A medium chopped onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor. I like to use yellow onions for a balanced taste.
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic give our soup that lovely aromatic kick. Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic cooking?
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is the soul of our soup! I lean towards low-sodium options so I can control the saltiness, but choose what suits your taste.
Heavy Cream: This is where we sneak in the richness. It’s essential for that creamy mouthfeel that makes this soup so decadent.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds both flavor and creaminess. I prefer sharp cheddar for a bolder taste, but mild is great too.
Bacon: Ah, the joy of crispy bacon! Cooking and crumbling it adds a fantastic crunch throughout the soup. You can’t go wrong here!
Sour Cream: A dollop on top is luxurious and balances the richness of the soup. Plus, it adds a beautiful creaminess to each spoonful.
Green Onions: These little beauties aren’t just for show; they add a fresh, bright finish and a nice crunch.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors in our concoction.
Olive Oil or Butter: A simple choice for sautéing our onion to start things off in the soup-making process.
Is Creamy and Loaded Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup Good for You?
So, let’s talk health! While this soup is undoubtedly indulgent with its creamy base and crispy bacon, we can still enjoy it in moderation.
Potatoes: Packed with potassium and vitamin C, they serve as a good energy source. Plus, they’re filling, which is why this soup is such a cozy meal!
Bacon: While delicious, bacon is a treat – it’s rich in sodium and saturated fats, so I recommend using it wisely.
Cream and Cheese: These ingredients add delightful richness but also increase the calorie count. Consider lighter alternatives like half-and-half or a reduced-fat cheese if you’re looking to lighten the dish.
On the flip side, balance is key! Pairing this richly creamy soup with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies could tone down the indulgence while still satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients
– 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/4 cup sour cream (plus more for topping)
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Creamy and Loaded Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup?
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly right about now!
3. Stir in those diced potatoes, and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil for a delicious start.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
5. Now for the fun part! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency – smooth or chunky; it’s totally up to you! If you don’t have one, no worries. Just ladle portions into a blender, blend until smooth, and transfer it back into the pot.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Season with salt, and seasoning with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Heat through until that cheese is melted into creamy goodness.
7. Serve the soup up warm, dolloping a swirl of sour cream on top and garnishing with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of extra bacon if you have some saved for that special touch!
Soup to Savor
Here’s where I get a bit fancy: For added texture, consider saving some bacon bits to sprinkle on top just before serving – it makes your guests think you’re a restaurant chef! Pair this soup with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal, and you’ve got a feast that screams comfort.
I can’t wait for you to cozy up with a bowl of this deliciousness – it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of flavor! Please give this recipe a try, and if you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Happy cooking!
