O'Charley'S Loaded Potato Soup
O'Charley's Loaded Potato Soup is a hearty, creamy dish packed with tender potatoes, rich Cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting family meal, its velvety texture and flavorful toppings make it a satisfying choice for cold days or casual occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add potatoes, chicken stock base, salt, and white and black pepper. Cook for 12 minutes or until potatoes are about half-done.
- Add Cheddar cheese soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Melt butter or margarine in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes without browning.
- Whisk the flour mixture into the potato mixture and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in half and half and heat to serving temperature without boiling.
- Serve garnished with chives, bacon bits, and parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding some half-and-half or heavy cream after simmering. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked potatoes or instant potato flakes as a substitute for fresh potatoes. Adjust the cheese soup quantity according to your taste; a little extra can enhance the flavor. This soup pairs beautifully with Chicken-Rice Twosome for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chives, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley for added flavor and texture. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Chicken And Stuffing Scallop for a comforting dinner combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You can also add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of O'Charley'S Loaded Potato Soup contains roughly 2351 calories, with 33g protein, 269g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (189% of the Daily Value), iron (134% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (118% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 53g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this loaded potato soup can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese soup?
If you don't have Cheddar cheese soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your loaded potato soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top when serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).