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Once the potatoes are soft, you have two options for texture:
– For a chunky soup: Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will leave you with a slightly chunky texture while still giving the soup a creamy consistency.
– For a smoother soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer part of the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches, but be cautious when blending hot liquids.
#### Step 5: Add Cream and Season
Once you’ve reached your desired texture, stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) for richness. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, if using. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
#### Step 6: Serve and Add Toppings
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then pile on the delicious toppings. Add a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives. For extra flavor, you can top with more shredded cheese or a few cracks of black pepper.
### Tips for Success:
– **Use the Right Potatoes**: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. These varieties break down easily when cooking, giving the soup a creamy texture.
– **Make It Extra Creamy**: If you want your soup to be even creamier, substitute half of the half-and-half with heavy cream. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you can use whole milk instead of half-and-half.
– **Crisp Up Your Bacon**: For the best crispy bacon bits, fry or bake your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Drain the fat on paper towels before crumbling it into the soup to avoid excess grease.
– **Make It Gluten-Free**: This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check that your bacon doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.
– **Adjust the Toppings**: Get creative with your toppings. Besides cheddar cheese, sour cream, and bacon, you can try adding extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, shredded chicken, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
### Why This Recipe Works
**Loaded Potato Soup** is the ultimate comfort food because it combines the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy base, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon make each spoonful satisfying, while the cheese and sour cream add a delightful richness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—few ingredients come together to create a soup that’s both hearty and flavorful. Plus, it’s so customizable that you can make it your own.
### Conclusion
**Loaded Potato Soup** is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm up on a cold day or a hearty soup to serve at your next family gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with all the delicious flavors you expect from a loaded baked potato. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warmth and comfort that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking!
