When it comes to cold-weather comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a steaming bowl of potato soup. But this isn’t just any potato soup. This is Betty Crocker’s Loaded Potato Soup, a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and warmth. It’s the perfect blend of hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, tangy cheese, and fresh green onions-essentially everything you’d want in a comforting bowl of soup, all in one bite. Whether you’re looking to warm up after a long day or impress your guests at a dinner party, this recipe delivers big-time.
The beauty of this recipe is its balance between simplicity and indulgence. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes minimal effort feel like you’re a gourmet chef.
Let’s break it down further, step by step, and see why this recipe is a staple for so many kitchens.
Betty Crocker Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Ready to dive into the full recipe? Let’s go through the details.
Ingredients Needed
To create the perfect bowl of Loaded Potato Soup, here’s what you’ll need. Each ingredient serves a crucial role in bringing out the flavors, making the soup both creamy and hearty.
Main Ingredients
- Potatoes (about 4 large Russet potatoes) – The heart of any potato soup! Russets are ideal because they become tender and break down nicely when cooked, helping to thicken the soup without needing extra flour or thickeners.
- Butter (4 tablespoons) – Adds richness and depth to the soup base.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped) – For a subtle sweetness and savory base flavor. It adds depth to the soup’s overall flavor profile.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic provides aromatic intensity, balancing the richness of the potatoes and cream.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups) – The liquid foundation of the soup. Chicken broth gives it a savory base, but you can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – This creates a luxuriously creamy texture. You can swap it with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups) – The star of the show! This makes the soup indulgent, gooey, and cheesy. Cheddar melts beautifully, creating that signature creamy texture we all love.
- Crispy Bacon (4 strips, crumbled) – The salty, smoky crunch adds a savory contrast to the rich soup.
- Green Onions (1 bunch, chopped) – These bring a pop of color and fresh flavor to balance the creamy richness.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) – To enhance the overall flavors and balance the richness of the broth and cream.
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream – Adds an extra layer of tanginess.
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese – For a more decadent, cheesy finish.
- Chopped parsley – For a bit of freshness and color.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step cooking process.
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Prepare The Potatoes
- Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Make sure they’re about the same size for even cooking.
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Cook The Bacon
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep the bacon drippings in the pot.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add The Potatoes And Broth
- Toss the diced potatoes into the pot and stir them around with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, bring it to a boil, and then lower the heat to simmer. Let the potatoes cook for 12-15 minutes or until fork-tender.
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Blend (Optional)
- For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup right in the pot. If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply skip this step.
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Stir In Cream And Cheese
- Add the heavy cream to the pot, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the soup, making it rich and creamy.
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Season And Garnish
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve the soup hot, topped with crispy bacon, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, extra cheddar, and a sprinkle of parsley if you like.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this Loaded Potato Soup has a purpose. Let’s break down why they’re so important:
- Potatoes: Aside from being the star of the dish, potatoes bring texture, creaminess, and comfort. The starch in potatoes naturally thickens the soup as they cook.
- Butter and Cream: Together, they create the velvety, rich consistency that gives the soup its luxurious mouthfeel. Butter also provides that classic flavor profile we associate with comfort food.
- Bacon: The crispy bacon provides an essential crunch and a smoky contrast to the smooth creaminess of the soup. Bacon adds that irresistible umami kick.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheese adds richness, flavor, and a gooey texture. It’s the defining ingredient that makes the soup loaded.
- Green Onions: These bring freshness and a touch of sharpness that helps balance the richness of the soup.
Expert Tips
For a perfect potato soup every time, here are some expert tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Potatoes: Make sure there’s enough space for the potatoes to cook evenly. If you have too many in the pot, they may not cook properly.
- Use an Immersion Blender for Smoothness: For a creamier, smoother texture, use an immersion blender. This allows you to blend part of the soup while leaving some chunks of potato for texture.
- Control the Heat: When adding the cream and cheese, make sure the heat is low. High heat can cause the cream to curdle, ruining the smooth texture.
- Adjust for Salt and Pepper: Potatoes can absorb salt, so don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning at the end. Taste and add more if needed.
- Prep Ahead: If you’re in a rush, you can prep the potatoes and bacon the day before to save time. Just reheat everything when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Loaded Potato Soup recipe is perfect as-is, you can always get creative with it! Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Loaded Potato Soup: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your soup a little heat. You could even drizzle in some hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegan Version: Skip the cream and cheese, and use coconut milk for a creamy texture. You can swap the bacon for crispy tempeh or sautéed mushrooms for that savory crunch.
- Extra Protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ham for extra protein. This will make the soup heartier and more filling.
- Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese, like gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella, to change the flavor profile of the soup.
Final Words
Betty Crocker’s Loaded Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The heartiness of the potatoes, the richness of the cream, the smokiness of the bacon, and the gooey goodness of the cheese all come together in one bowl. It’s the perfect way to indulge during the colder months or anytime you need a little comfort food in your life.