This recipe is a great choice for a hearty and satisfying meal, especially during colder months. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory toppings, and the convenience of the crockpot makes it a delightful comfort food
Ingredients:
- 6-7 potatoes, diced: Choose starchy potatoes like russets for a creamy texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds savory flavor to the soup.
- Celery (as desired): Provides a subtle crunch and aromatic flavor.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: Adds richness and depth to the soup base.
- Chicken broth (add as much as preferred): Adjust the amount based on your desired soup consistency.
- 2 cans cream of celery soup: Enhances the celery flavor and creaminess.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthy richness to the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season the soup to your liking.
- 1 1/2 packages of cream cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
- Bacon bits and cheddar cheese (for topping and mixing): Adds a smoky, salty crunch and cheesy goodness.
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Dice potatoes, onions, and celery.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
- In the crockpot, combine diced potatoes, onion, celery, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust Consistency:
- Add chicken broth until you reach the desired soup consistency.
- Cook in Crockpot:
- Cook on high for approximately 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
- Add Cream Cheese:
- Once cooked, add cream cheese to the soup, letting it melt and blend in. This step adds extra creaminess.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with Toppings:
- Sprinkle bacon bits and cheddar cheese on top for a flavorful finish.
- Mix Toppings:
- For added flavor, mix the bacon bits and cheddar cheese into the soup.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the loaded potato soup hot and enjoy the rich and comforting flavors.
Here are some additional tips to make your Loaded Potato Soup even more delicious:
- Browning Ingredients: Consider sautéing the onions and celery before adding them to the crockpot. This can enhance their flavors and add a depth of taste to the soup.
- Garlic Addition: If you enjoy garlic, consider adding minced garlic to the sautéed onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bacon Prep: Instead of bacon bits, you can cook bacon strips separately until crispy and then crumble them over the soup just before serving. This provides a fresher and more intense bacon flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese for topping. Sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or a blend of cheeses can add unique and complementary flavors.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the soup for an aromatic boost. Sprinkle some on top before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or leeks for added color and flavor. This can also increase the nutritional content of the soup.
- Crispy Potato Skins: If you enjoy a bit of texture, leave the potato skins on for added fiber and a rustic feel.
- Low-Fat Option: For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Soup Garnish: Garnish individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, green onions, or fresh parsley for a finishing touch.
- Serve with Bread: Consider serving the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even homemade croutons for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Make-Ahead: This soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Consider making it ahead and reheating for a quick meal.
- Freezing: This soup generally freezes well. Store in airtight containers, leaving room for expansion, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
here are some popular questions about Loaded Potato Soup:
- Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?
- Yes, you can experiment with different types of potatoes. Russet potatoes are commonly used for their starchy and creamy texture, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also work well.
- Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream. Keep in mind that it might alter the taste slightly.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, Loaded Potato Soup often tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve.
- How can I make it vegetarian?
- To make it vegetarian, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the cream of chicken soup. Additionally, check that the cream of celery and cream of mushroom soups are vegetarian-friendly.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, Loaded Potato Soup generally freezes well. Store it in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with Loaded Potato Soup?
- Serve it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal. Some might also enjoy it with a side of cornbread.
- Can I use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a topping?
- Absolutely! You can customize the toppings to your preference. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used as a lighter or meatless alternative.
- How can I make it spicier?
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also top it with diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
- Yes, you can opt for reduced-fat or light versions of cream cheese and use low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter option.
- Can I cook this on low heat instead of high?
- Yes, you can cook the soup on low heat for a longer duration, typically 8-10 hours, if you prefer a slower cooking process.
