The Best Loaded Potato Soup (Slow cooked flavor, fast!)

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk

Coconut milk is lower in calories and adds a creamy texture; milk is more budget-friendly.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and adds a cheesy flavor; processed cheese is often cheaper.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: ham

Turkey bacon is lower in fat; ham can be a more affordable option.

Cook 3 slices of bacon in a pan until crispy, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease.

Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the bacon grease and melt.

Sauté 1/2 chopped yellow onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic until softened.

Add 5 diced medium russet potatoes to the pan and toss with the butter and bacon grease.

Add 1 bay leaf and 2 cups of chicken broth to cover the potatoes.

Pour in 1 cup of milk, cover, and bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Mash the potatoes to desired texture using a hand masher or immersion blender.

Stir in another cup of milk to thin the soup if desired.

Add 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

Season with salt to taste and garnish with bacon, cheese, and green onions before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens