Loaded Potato Soup

## Directions

### Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
1. **Peel and dice the potatoes**: Begin by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces). The smaller the potato chunks, the quicker they will cook and break down into a creamy base for the soup.

2. **Rinse and set aside**: After dicing, give the potatoes a quick rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Set them aside for later.

### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. **Cook the onion and garlic**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

### Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes
1. **Add the potatoes and broth**: Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

### Step 4: Make it Creamy
1. **Mash the potatoes**: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture, while still leaving some potato chunks for texture. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender, but don’t blend it completely—leave a few chunks for a hearty feel.

2. **Add half-and-half**: Pour in the half-and-half (or milk) and stir until fully incorporated. The half-and-half will create a rich, creamy base, but feel free to adjust the amount for your desired level of creaminess.

3. **Season the soup**: Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using). Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

### Step 5: Bring it All Together
1. **Simmer to thicken**: Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The soup should thicken up, and the potatoes will continue to break down into a smooth, creamy texture.

2. **Stir occasionally**: Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot, especially if you’re using milk or cream.

### Step 6: Serve and Top
1. **Ladle into bowls**: Once the soup is creamy and flavorful, ladle it into serving bowls.

2. **Add toppings**: This is where the “loaded” part of the soup comes in! Top each bowl of soup with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or even a little more cheese.

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## Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup

### 1. **Use Russet Potatoes**
Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for this soup because they break down easily and create a nice creamy texture. They’re also hearty enough to hold up in the broth without becoming mushy.

### 2. **Crisp Bacon for Extra Crunch**
For the bacon topping, cook the bacon until it’s crispy so it adds a satisfying crunch to the soup. You can also use turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option. If you want even more bacon flavor, you can fry the bacon in the pot before cooking the onions and garlic, and then use the rendered bacon fat for extra flavor in the soup base.

### 3. **Make it Vegan or Vegetarian**
To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and replace the half-and-half with coconut milk or another dairy-free milk alternative. You can also use dairy-free cheese and sour cream to keep it fully plant-based.

### 4. **Add Extra Veggies**
Feel free to sneak in extra vegetables for a little more nutrition. Carrots, celery, and even corn can be added to the soup. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic at the beginning, or throw them in with the potatoes for extra flavor.

### 5. **Make it Ahead**
This soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight! To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to adjust the consistency.

### 6. **Freeze for Later**
If you want to freeze the soup for later, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

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## Why You’ll Love Loaded Potato Soup

### 1. **Hearty and Filling**
Loaded Potato Soup is a meal in itself. The creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and rich broth come together to create a soup that’s both comforting and filling, perfect for a cozy dinner.

### 2. **Customizable**
One of the best things about this soup is how customizable it is. You can tweak the toppings, switch out the ingredients, or adjust the seasonings to make it your own. Whether you like extra cheese, a bit of spice, or more vegetables, this soup is flexible enough to satisfy every palate.

### 3. **Perfect for Any Occasion**
Loaded Potato Soup is great for any occasion—from a casual weeknight dinner to a cozy gathering with friends. It’s also perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening when you want something warm and comforting.

### 4. **Leftovers Are Delicious**
This soup makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors only improve after sitting for a day, and it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day.

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## Conclusion

**Loaded Potato Soup** is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy texture, savory bacon, and cheesy toppings, it’s the kind of soup that satisfies both your hunger and your craving for warmth and nostalgia. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because, this soup is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless possibilities for customization, Loaded Potato Soup is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your potatoes, cook up some bacon, and get ready for a bowl of pure comfort. You’ll be glad you did!