Bennigan’s Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever visited a Bennigan’s restaurant, you’re probably familiar with their legendary Loaded Potato Soup. This hearty, rich, and creamy soup has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of countless customers over the years. It’s one of those comfort foods that manages to feel indulgent while still offering that satisfying depth of flavor we crave on a cold day or whenever we just need a bowl of cozy goodness.

But here’s the secret: you don’t need to drive to a Bennigan’s location to enjoy this crowd-pleasing soup. Making it at home is surprisingly easy, and the ingredients are simple enough to find at any grocery store. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through making a homemade version of Bennigan’s Loaded Potato Soup that’s so close to the original, your taste buds won’t believe it.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who’s just dipping their toes into the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s dive in and bring the magic of Bennigan’s to your own kitchen!

Bennigan’s Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Bennigan’s Loaded Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-packed masterpiece that combines the best aspects of a baked potato with the comforting warmth of a rich soup. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a favorite, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.

Here’s A Quick Rundown Of What We’ll Be Covering

• Ingredients – What you’ll need to gather.
• Cooking Instructions – A step-by-step guide to making the soup.
• Ingredient Insights – What each ingredient brings to the table.
• Expert Tips – How to elevate your soup game.
• Recipe Variations – Fun twists to customize the soup.
• Final Words – Wrapping up the recipe with some closing thoughts.
• Conclusion – A quick recap of the soup’s magic.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry, nothing too complicated here-most of these should already be in your pantry or fridge.

• Russet Potatoes – The key base for the soup, bringing a creamy texture when they cook down. About 3 large potatoes should do the trick.
• Bacon – You can’t have loaded potato soup without bacon! It adds a crispy, smoky flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy soup base. Around 6 strips will be perfect.
• Butter – Rich and smooth, butter is a critical ingredient for the soup’s creamy texture. You’ll need about 4 tablespoons.
• Onion – A medium-sized onion adds a savory depth to the soup. Dice it finely to blend seamlessly with the potatoes.
• Garlic – Just a couple of cloves. Fresh garlic imparts a warm, aromatic flavor that works wonders in this dish.
• Flour – This helps to thicken the soup. You’ll need around 1/4 cup to create the roux.
• Chicken Broth – For a flavorful, savory base. Around 4 cups.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness and smoothness to the soup, making it luxuriously creamy. About 2 cups.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – The hero of the ’loaded’ part of this soup! You’ll need around 2 cups for that perfect melty topping.
• Green Onions – These are for garnish, adding a fresh and slightly sharp contrast to the creamy soup.
• Salt and Pepper – For seasoning. Season to taste.

Optional:

• Sour Cream – For an extra creamy topping that ties everything together.
• Chives – Optional, but they add a fresh, herby note that contrasts nicely with the richness of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!

1. Cook The Bacon

   • In a large pot, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they’re crispy and browned.
   • Remove the bacon, set it aside, and drain some of the bacon fat, leaving just a small amount in the pot for flavor.

2. Prepare The Potatoes

   • While the bacon is cooking, peel and dice your russet potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
   • Once the bacon is out of the pot, toss in the diced potatoes and cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps them absorb some of the bacon flavor.

3. Add Onion And Garlic

   • Toss in your diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).

4. Make The Roux

   • Add the butter to the pot and let it melt.
   • Sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. This will thicken your soup and give it that creamy texture.

5. Add Broth And Simmer

   • Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and tender.

6. Blend Some Potatoes

   • Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot for a creamier consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture, or go fully smooth-whatever you prefer.

7. Add Cream And Cheese

   • Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer.
   • Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the soup, making it super creamy.

8. Finish And Serve

   • Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the soup.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, more bacon, and a dollop of sour cream if you like.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to understand why each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating that perfect bowl of soup:

• Russet Potatoes: The starch in russet potatoes breaks down as they cook, giving the soup a smooth, thick base without the need for a ton of extra thickeners.
• Bacon: Adds the perfect smoky crunch that complements the smoothness of the potatoes and the richness of the cream.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth, velvety texture in the soup and intensifies the flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Acts as a savory base for the soup. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option.
• Heavy Cream: Takes the soup from good to great with its ability to create a rich, luxurious texture that coats your mouth in every spoonful.
• Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient that adds sharpness and a gooey, melty texture. It really elevates the ’loaded’ part of the soup.
• Green Onions: Their mild onion flavor and fresh crunch make the soup feel lighter and cut through the richness.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your soup is absolutely perfect:

• Use a Starchy Potato: Russet potatoes are the best for this soup because they release a lot of starch, helping to thicken the soup naturally.
• Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat: A little bit of bacon fat left in the pot adds so much flavor. It might feel like extra fat, but it’s what makes this soup taste authentic.
• Blend Some of the Potatoes: If you prefer a smoother texture, take some of the cooked potatoes out of the soup and blend them before returning them to the pot. This gives the soup a creamier consistency.
• Season in Layers: Season the soup as you go, starting with the bacon and onions. This way, each layer of flavor is fully developed.
• Make It Ahead: This soup gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just reheat gently before serving.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is perfect as is, there are some fun ways to customize it to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped carrots or celery along with the onions for added depth.
• Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix.
• Smokier Flavor: If you want a more pronounced smoky taste, use smoked bacon or even add a few drops of liquid smoke.
• Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use a plant-based cream to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.

Final Words

This Bennigan’s Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon and fresh green onions. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or just treating yourself to a bowl of nostalgia, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home.