Here’s a delicious recipe for Loaded Bacon & Potato Soup!
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thicker soup)
- 1 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Additional cooked bacon bits (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth:
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with the bacon fat, onions, and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Thicken the Soup (Optional):
- If you like a thicker soup, you can create a slurry by mixing 2 tbsp of flour with a little water and stirring it into the soup. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes to thicken.
5. Add Milk and Sour Cream:
- Stir in the milk and sour cream, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm through.
6. Add Cheese:
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy, cheesy consistency.
7. Season:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for extra flavor.
8. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley.
Tips:
- For extra richness, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- If you prefer a smooth soup, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Enjoy your Loaded Bacon & Potato Soup – it’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor! 🍲🥓🧀
