Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

Creamy Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you're in the mood for something hearty and satisfying. This soup combines the simple goodness of potatoes with rich, creamy textures and the delightful flavours of bacon, cheese, and spring onions. It's a bowl full of warmth that promises to satisfy all your comfort food cravings, making it a favourite for family dinners and casual gatherings alike.

Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

Preparation Time and Servings:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients List:

5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped spring onions, for garnish
Extra shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Equipment Needed:

Large pot or Dutch oven
Immersion blender or regular blender
Frying pan

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Cook the Bacon: In a frying pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
Simmer Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully blend the soup in batches and return it to the pot.
Add Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream until well combined. Heat through without bringing to a boil.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped spring onions before serving.

Suggested Side Dishes:

A crisp green salad
Crusty bread or garlic bread
A light vegetable side dish

Common Mistakes/Points of Care:

Potato Size: Dice the potatoes into even sizes to ensure uniform cooking.
Blending Caution: Be careful when blending hot liquids to avoid splashes.
Avoid Boiling After Adding Cream: To prevent curdling, do not let the soup boil after adding the heavy cream and sour cream.