There’s something about a bowl of soup that brings a sense of comfort, warmth, and relaxation. But when it’s a hearty, creamy dish like Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup, it’s more than just comfort-it’s pure indulgence. This recipe is a restaurant favorite, and it packs all the flavors you love from a classic baked potato, but in a luscious, spoonable form.
Longhorn Steakhouse has popularized this dish with its rich, velvety texture, loaded with all the traditional toppings you’d expect in a loaded potato-crispy bacon, melted cheese, green onions, and sour cream. It’s the perfect balance of rich and satisfying, with just the right amount of savory goodness in every bite.
But why settle for eating out when you can whip this up at home? The recipe we’ll cover today is simple, easy to follow, and packed with all the flavors you crave. Ready to dive in?
Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
When you’re looking for a dish that combines richness with a comforting level of heartiness, Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup hits the nail on the head. This homemade version of the famous soup has everything you love about the original-potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream-blended into one delicious, creamy bowl. It’s perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or any time you want to spoil yourself a little.
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need to hunt down rare ingredients to make this soup. Everything you need can be found in your local grocery store, and chances are, you may already have some of these staples in your pantry or fridge. Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need for the soup:
- Russet Potatoes (4 medium to large): These are ideal for their starchy texture, which gives the soup a creamy base without being overly thick.
- Bacon (6 slices): The bacon is a key component in this recipe, offering that smoky, crispy bite that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the soup.
- Butter (1/4 cup): For sautéing, this gives the soup a smooth, rich texture.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium): Adds depth and sweetness, balancing the richness of the potatoes and bacon.
- Garlic (3 cloves): A must for adding a punch of flavor and aroma to the base of the soup.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): This is used to help thicken the soup, creating that perfect, creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): For the base of the soup, chicken broth adds a savory depth, while still allowing the flavor of the potatoes and bacon to shine.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): This ingredient is what makes the soup velvety and indulgent. It takes it from simple to next-level.
- Milk (1 cup): To balance the richness of the cream and thin out the soup slightly, ensuring the perfect texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): For that cheesy gooey goodness on top.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): This adds a tangy creaminess that ties the whole dish together and is used as a topping.
- Green Onions (2 stalks): These provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): To season everything just right.
Cooking Instructions
Making Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup is a relatively straightforward process. While it’s a bit of a hands-on recipe, the end result is totally worth it. Here’s how to bring this flavorful soup to life:
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into small cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook faster and evenly.
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, leave a little bit of bacon grease. Add the chopped onion and cook it over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir it in with the onions and garlic, creating a roux. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This step helps thicken the soup.
- Add the liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Then, add the heavy cream and milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes to the pot, bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This creates a chunkier texture while still keeping the soup creamy.
- Add the bacon and cheese: Stir in most of the crumbled bacon (save a little for garnish) and the shredded cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt into the soup, stirring to ensure it’s fully combined.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, the reserved bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup brings something essential to the table, and understanding how they contribute can elevate your cooking experience:
- Russet Potatoes: Their starchy nature makes them ideal for creating a creamy texture in soups. The cubes hold up well, giving the soup some substance without turning mushy.
- Bacon: Not just for flavor, bacon provides a crispy texture contrast to the smooth, creamy base of the soup. It’s also essential for that salty-sweet touch.
- Heavy Cream & Milk: These ingredients balance richness with silkiness. The heavy cream gives you that luscious, indulgent base, while the milk helps lighten it up.
- Chicken Broth: It’s the backbone of the soup, adding depth and a savory flavor that enhances the richness without overpowering it.
- Cheddar Cheese: Aside from its creamy texture, cheddar cheese adds that sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the soup.
- Sour Cream: The sour cream adds the necessary tang to balance out the richness, making the soup feel lighter even though it’s indulgent.
- Green Onions: These fresh, crisp onions cut through the heaviness, offering a refreshing bite.
Expert Tips
To take your Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup to the next level, consider these expert tips:
- Don’t skip the roux: This step, where you cook the flour with the onions and garlic, is essential for thickening the soup. Without it, you’ll end up with a thinner consistency.
- Customize the cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, try mixing in a bit of Monterey Jack or Gruyère for added depth of flavor. Gruyère adds a nuttier taste that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the soup.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer your soup thicker, mash more of the potatoes. If you like it thinner, add more milk or chicken broth.
- Crisp the bacon well: Make sure your bacon is extra crispy for the best texture. If you can, use thick-cut bacon-it’ll hold up better when crumbled and adds more flavor.
- Let it sit: Like many soups, this one actually improves if you let it sit for a bit. The flavors meld together, and it’s even better the next day!
Recipe Variations
Feel like experimenting? There are plenty of ways you can tweak this soup to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon entirely and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a savory twist.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for dairy-free cheese and sour cream.
- Spicy Loaded Potato Soup: For a kick, add some diced jalapeños to the soup base or sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Top with a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: If you love the toppings from a classic loaded baked potato, feel free to add extras like crumbled sausage, grilled chicken, or even a handful of crispy fried onions.
Final Words
Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup is more than just a comforting meal; it’s a celebration of all the flavors you love about a classic loaded potato, packed into one creamy, rich soup. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a chilly evening, or just because you deserve something delicious, it’s sure to hit the spot every time.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup?
The ingredients for Longhorn loaded potato soup typically include russet potatoes, bacon, onion, garlic, butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and sour cream.
Can I Make Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make Longhorn loaded potato soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine the diced potatoes, broth, onions, and seasonings in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream, cheese, and bacon during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese For This Recipe?
While sharp cheddar is traditional for loaded potato soup, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Colby for different flavor profiles.
How Can I Make Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, you can add ingredients like diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Can I Make Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. After cooking, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding more milk or broth if needed.
Is It Possible To Make Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the soup.
Can I Substitute Milk With A Dairy-free Option In Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup?
Yes, you can use dairy-free milk options like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in place of regular milk, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a vegan cream alternative.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup?
Typically, the soup takes about 40-45 minutes to prepare on the stovetop, depending on how long it takes to cook the potatoes and render the bacon. If using a slow cooker, it will take about 6-8 hours on low.
What Is The Best Way To Store Leftovers Of Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup?
Store leftover Longhorn loaded potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, though the texture of the cream may change slightly after thawing.
Can I Add Vegetables Other Than Potatoes To The Longhorn Loaded Potato Soup?
While the traditional recipe focuses on potatoes, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn to give the soup extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.