Are you in the mood for a soul-warming, indulgent bowl of soup that combines the goodness of baked potato toppings and rich, flavorful broth? Look no further than our Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup recipe. In just 40 minutes, you can savor the delicious comfort of this restaurant-worthy meal right at your kitchen table.
Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup
Let's gather the key ingredients for this delectable Loaded Potato Soup:
- 1 package (12 oz) of bacon
- 1 1/2 cups of chopped onion
- 6 cups of Progresso™ chicken broth (from two 32-oz cartons)
- 2 pounds of baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2/3 cup of butter
- 3/4 cup of Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup of diced cooked ham
- 1 container (8 oz) of sour cream
- 2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (10 oz)
- 3/4 cup of sliced green onions
Crafting the Perfect Loaded Potato Soup: Step-by-Step
Let's embark on this culinary journey to create the ultimate Loaded Potato Soup:
1. Crispy Bacon Goodness
Start by cooking the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it's gloriously crisp. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into delightful bits. Set the bacon aside, and ensure you retain 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet. Next, cook the chopped onions in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat for approximately 6 minutes, or until they're almost tender.
2. Soup Base Construction
In a 6-quart Dutch oven, combine the sautéed onions, chicken broth, and the peeled, cubed potatoes. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes reach a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
3. Creamy Elixir
While the potato and broth mixture is simmering, melt the butter in the same skillet over low heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour using a whisk until you achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. Continue to cook and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, using the whisk to incorporate the milk into the roux (the butter and flour mixture) each time you add more. This process should take a few minutes to ensure a lump-free mixture. Avoid adding all the milk at once to prevent the formation of flour chunks in your soup.
Once all the milk is blended in, continue to stir the mixture over medium heat. Use the whisk to maintain a smooth, constant stirring motion. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes delightfully bubbly.
4. The Loaded Sensation
Now, it's time to elevate your Loaded Potato Soup. Stir in the diced cooked ham, half of the crispy bacon, the sour cream, 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of sliced green onions. Continue to cook until the soup is thoroughly heated, and the cheese has melted to create a sumptuous, creamy texture.
For the grand finale, top individual servings of the soup with the remaining bacon, 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of green onions. Your Loaded Potato Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for a Perfect Loaded Potato Soup
To make the most of your Loaded Potato Soup, here are some helpful tips:
Tip 1: Potato Perfection
For the ideal starch-filled base, use classic baking potatoes like Russets. As they cook in the broth, their starch is released, creating a rich, thick soup that's simply irresistible.
Tip 2: Presentation Matters
Consider serving your Loaded Potato Soup in mugs for an extra cozy feel, or be creative and hollow out a round loaf of bread to create a delightful bread bowl.
Tip 3: No Freezing Allowed
Due to the milk and sour cream in this recipe, freezing isn't recommended. These ingredients can lead to undesirable changes in texture.
Tip 4: Bacon Magic
For uniformly crispy bacon pieces, slice the bacon crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Cook them in a large skillet over medium heat until they achieve a deep golden brown perfection.
Now, with this Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup recipe in your culinary repertoire, you can delight in the comforting flavors of a restaurant-worthy dish from the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!