Welcome to the cozy, soul-warming world of Longhorn Potato Soup, a dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. If you’re a fan of hearty, creamy, and savory soups, then this recipe is sure to find a permanent spot in your rotation. Not only does it offer a rich, smooth texture and flavors that meld beautifully together, but it also combines simple ingredients into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a small family, or guests, this potato soup has an undeniable charm that invites everyone to dig in.
The beauty of Longhorn Potato Soup lies not only in its flavor but in its versatility. It’s a great base for experimenting, and with just a few tweaks, you can create different versions to match your taste or dietary preferences. Plus, it’s an easy dish to make ahead, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
Now, let’s dive into the details and get you prepared to cook up this comforting masterpiece!
Longhorn Potato Soup Recipe
This Longhorn Potato Soup recipe is a thick, rich soup packed with the comforting flavors of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of soup that’s perfect for both a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering.
Ingredients Needed
To make this Longhorn Potato Soup, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the creamy, savory masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Potatoes: 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced. These will be the base of your soup, providing that creamy, hearty texture we love in potato soups.
- Bacon: 6 slices, diced. Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth to the soup that cuts through the richness of the potatoes.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons. You’ll use this to sauté the onions and garlic, creating a savory foundation for the soup.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Onions add a sweet yet savory flavor that complements the potatoes.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Garlic brings in aromatic, earthy notes that balance the richness of the dish.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups. This will provide a flavorful base for the soup.
- Milk: 2 cups. For creaminess and to bring everything together.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. The heavy cream is what takes the soup to the next level, giving it that rich, velvety texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. This gives the soup a melty, cheesy goodness that adds extra flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. These simple seasonings will elevate all the flavors and balance the dish.
- Green Onions: For garnish (optional). These bring a fresh, sharp contrast that cuts through the richness of the soup and adds a bit of color.
- Sour Cream: Optional, for serving. A dollop of sour cream can add a nice tanginess that complements the soup’s creamy texture.
Cooking Instructions
Making Longhorn Potato Soup is pretty straightforward, and the result is a creamy, indulgent bowl of goodness. Follow these steps, and you’ll have yourself a comforting bowl of soup in no time.
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Cook The Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain.
- Reserve some of the bacon grease for extra flavor.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- Using the reserved bacon grease (or butter if you prefer), sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This will create a savory base for the soup.
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Cook The Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
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Blend The Soup
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend part of the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend more; if you like some chunky bits, blend only a little. Alternatively, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree it, then return it to the pot.
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Add The Dairy And Cheese
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
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Season
- Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the bacon and cheese are already salty, so go easy on the salt initially.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in this Longhorn Potato Soup contributes to the overall flavor profile, making each bite a new experience.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the go-to for potato soups due to their starchy texture, which helps thicken the soup without the need for additional flour or cornstarch. They break down into a creamy base while still maintaining some chunkiness.
- Bacon: Not just for breakfast! Bacon adds an irresistible smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the potatoes. It also brings a crunch that provides a nice contrast to the smooth soup.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: The combination of these two gives the soup that velvety texture. Milk lightens it up slightly, while the cream adds richness. You could experiment with half-and-half or a lighter cream option, but this classic duo is a winning formula.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy bite and enhances the savory flavor of the soup. Don’t skimp on quality cheese here-it makes a difference!
- Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth as the base not only adds flavor but also helps balance out the richness from the cream and cheese. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is a good substitute.
Expert Tips
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, just add more milk or broth to reach your preferred texture. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a little longer to reduce.
- Make Ahead: Potato soup actually gets better the next day! The flavors meld and deepen, making it an excellent option for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Just reheat gently, adding a little extra milk if it thickens too much.
- Bacon Tips: For extra crispy bacon, place the slices on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (about 20 minutes). This method makes less of a mess and ensures even crispiness.
- Use an Immersion Blender: This tool makes blending the soup so much easier without the mess of transferring it to a regular blender. You can also control how smooth or chunky you want the texture.
- Cheese: For an extra layer of depth, try mixing in a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda in addition to the cheddar. It adds complexity to the flavor.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this Longhorn Potato Soup is its versatility. Here are some fun ways you can tweak the recipe:
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Skip the bacon or replace it with crispy tempeh or vegan sausage for a similar crunch and flavor.
- Spicy: For a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You could also stir in a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to kick it up a notch.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Add extras like sour cream, shredded cheese, or green onions to garnish. You can even toss in some shredded chicken or cooked sausage for more protein.
- Herbed: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an herby twist. These herbs will complement the richness of the soup and add a fragrant lift.
Final Words
Longhorn Potato Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner for two or as part of a larger spread, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich flavors creates a comforting bowl of soup that’s hard to resist.
FAQs
What Is Longhorn Potato Soup?
Longhorn potato soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with potatoes, cheese, bacon, and often cream or milk. It is known for its rich, comforting flavor and is typically served as a filling meal or appetizer.
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Longhorn Potato Soup?
To make longhorn potato soup, you’ll need potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, cream or milk, butter, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme. Some recipes may also include sour cream for extra creaminess.
Can I Make Longhorn Potato Soup Without Bacon?
Yes, you can make longhorn potato soup without bacon by using a vegetarian substitute like smoked paprika or a plant-based bacon. The soup will still be flavorful but with a different depth of taste.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Longhorn Potato Soup?
Typically, longhorn potato soup takes about 45 minutes to an hour to prepare and cook. This includes time for sautéing the vegetables, boiling the potatoes, and simmering the soup to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I Make Longhorn Potato Soup In Advance?
Yes, longhorn potato soup can be made in advance. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to blend. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What Type Of Cheese Is Best For Longhorn Potato Soup?
Cheddar cheese is traditionally used in longhorn potato soup for its sharp flavor and melting properties. You can use mild, sharp, or extra sharp cheddar, depending on your preference. Some recipes may also include other cheeses like Monterey Jack or cream cheese.
Can I Make Longhorn Potato Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make longhorn potato soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except the cream or milk and cheese) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is Longhorn Potato Soup Gluten-free?
Longhorn potato soup can be made gluten-free by ensuring that any broth or seasonings used do not contain gluten. Additionally, opt for gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent, if needed.
What Can I Serve With Longhorn Potato Soup?
Longhorn potato soup pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with crackers or grilled cheese sandwiches for a more filling meal.
Can I Freeze Longhorn Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze longhorn potato soup. To do so, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, be sure to stir well as the cream may separate.