Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup

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Ingredients

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: extra shredded cheddar, extra bacon bits, sliced green onions, more chives, extra sour cream

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon:
    In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté the aromatics:
    Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Make the roux:
    Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Add the liquids and potatoes:
    Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Add the diced potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Blend for creaminess (optional):
    For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potato for texture. Or, transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and stir it back in.
  6. Add milk and cheese:
    Stir in the milk (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Continue cooking over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve:
    Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, and any other favorite toppings.

Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup! 🥔🧀🥓

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