Recipe: Loaded Potato Soup

About 7 years ago, I went to eat at an O'Charley's. I was told to try the Loaded Potato Soup, that it was amazing. They weren't kidding! The nearest O'Charley's was over an hour away, and I only got to visit this delicious eatery once. A few months later, it was requested of me to attempt to re-create that soup, since I enjoy experimenting with cooking. 

After much deliberation on how to go about making it, I decided to just go with it. And here is the result. Just a forewarning, I do a lot of eyeballing and guesstimating when I cook. I don't always measure things out, especially when it is something I am just creating. And please pardon the picture, I was in a hurry to devour this deliciousness, so I didn't make a very pretty photo.

Loaded Potato Soup

• Potatoes, peeled & cut into bite-size chunks (If using fresh potatoes, use approx 10-12 medium/large Idaho/Russet potatoes; or if you want to be quick, cheat using a bag of frozen southern style potatoes... they are pre-diced!)
• 1 can Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup (or 1 jar Ragu Double Cheddar Cheese Sauce, found in the spaghetti aisle)
• Velveeta cheese (approx 1/4 of the 2lb. block)- cubed and melted
• 3 cups Milk
• 4 cups Water (approximately)
• 1 can Chicken Broth
• Diced Onions (or onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp)
• Minced Garlic (or garlic powder, 1/2 tsp)
• Parsley (dried, approx 1 tsp)
• Chili powder (dash)
• Frank's Red Hot Sauce (dash)
• 3 Tbsp Butter or Margarine
• Cooked bacon crumbles (approx 5-7 strips of bacon, or real bacon pieces found in salad fixings aisle)
• Salt & Pepper to taste
•  Flour to thicken (approx 2 Tbsp mixed with cold water)

Boil the peeled diced potatoes, to about 3/4 done. Drain. 
In a big pot (at least 4 qts), combine the cheddar cheese soup, Velveeta cheese, milk, chicken broth and water. Heat on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. 

Add the remaining ingredients, simmering on low until heated through. 

Serve with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, crackers or croutons, etc. Soup will thicken upon cooling. Makes approx. 8 bowls.


-----------
This hearty and cheesy soup is amazing by itself, but it makes a great meal when paired with pulled pork bbq. I'll save that for another blog entry. :)

So far, everyone that has tried my soup has loved it. It has been a favorite in my family for a few years now. I hope if you try it, you enjoy it too.