loaded potato soup

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
1. **Cook the potatoes**: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
2. **Drain the potatoes**: Once the potatoes are soft, drain the water and set the potatoes aside.

#### Step 2: Make the Soup Base
1. **Sauté the garlic and onion**: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and onion powder, cooking them for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. **Add the broth and cream**: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

#### Step 3: Add the Potatoes
1. **Mash the potatoes**: Add the cooked potatoes to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. If you like a smoother soup, you can mash more, or if you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some potatoes whole.
2. **Thicken the soup (optional)**: If you like your soup a bit thicker, you can whisk in a tablespoon of flour. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken.

#### Step 4: Add Toppings
1. **Stir in the cheese**: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup and stir until it melts smoothly into the broth.
2. **Season to taste**: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

#### Step 5: Serve
1. **Garnish**: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, additional shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. For extra flavor, you can also add sour cream or even a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

2. **Enjoy**: Serve your loaded potato soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

### Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup:

– **Use Russet Potatoes**: Russets are perfect for this soup because they’re starchy and break down nicely when mashed, creating a thick, creamy texture.
– **Crisp Up Your Bacon**: For maximum flavor, cook your bacon until it’s extra crispy. You can even bake the bacon in the oven for a hands-off approach.
– **Make It Lighter**: To make a lighter version of this soup, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lower-fat milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter but still flavorful soup.
– **Make It Spicy**: Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. The creamy base pairs perfectly with a spicy kick!
– **Make It Vegetarian**: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.

### Why This Loaded Potato Soup Will Be Your New Favorite

This **Loaded Potato Soup** is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The combination of tender potatoes, creamy broth, and savory toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions make it feel indulgent yet still totally satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying a cozy bowl by yourself, it’s bound to warm you up and make you feel right at home.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and can be customized to your taste. So the next time you’re craving something comforting and delicious, give this loaded potato soup a try—it’ll be a hit every time!

### Enjoy!