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Easy Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

Close-up of a hearty bowl of creamy potato soup recipe, loaded with chunks of potato, melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives.
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Make a thick, creamy potato soup loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives on the stovetop.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in the flour until fully combined with the vegetables and butter, cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
  6. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
  7. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the soup. Do not over-mash; leave some chunks.
  8. Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Heat through gently, but do not let the soup boil after adding the dairy.
  9. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup.
  10. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled bacon and fresh chives.

Notes

  • For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the mixture before adding the dairy.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian base, though the flavor profile will change.
  • Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Nutrition

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