O’ Charley’s Loaded Potato Soup

A one-of-a-kind signature soup from O’Charley’s sure to make you happy and full of all the flavors you love.

O’Charley’s Loaded Potato Soup is a hearty and indulgent soup that is loved by many for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. This soup is packed with delicious ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and filling dish.

One of the key components of this soup is the use of red potatoes. These potatoes are peeled and diced into small cubes, providing a creamy and soft texture to the soup. Combined with the creamy base made from melted margarine, flour, and half-and-half, the potatoes create a velvety and smooth consistency that is both comforting and delicious.

To enhance the flavor, O’Charley’s Loaded Potato Soup includes a generous amount of melted Velveeta cheese. The cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the soup, complementing the potatoes perfectly. Additionally, garlic powder and hot pepper sauce are added to provide a subtle kick and depth of flavor.

The soup is garnished with crispy fried bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh chives. These toppings add a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors, elevating the soup and adding a delightful touch of indulgence.

O’Charley’s Loaded Potato Soup is a popular menu item for its comforting qualities and delicious taste. It is often enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a comforting starter to a larger dining experience. Whether enjoyed at the restaurant or recreated at home, this loaded potato soup is sure to satisfy and warm the soul.

SERVES: 6–8

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds red potatoes
• ¼ cup melted margarine
• ¼ cup flour
• 8 cups half-and-half
• 1 (16-ounce) block melted Velveeta cheese
• Garlic powder, to taste
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• ½ pound crispy fried bacon
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup chopped fresh chives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel and dice the potatoes into ½” cubes.
2. Place the diced potatoes in a large stockpot, cover them with water, and boil for 10 minutes.
3. In a separate soup pot, combine melted margarine and flour over low heat.
4. Stir constantly, gradually adding the half-and-half, until the liquid begins to thicken. Add the melted Velveeta cheese and stir well.
5. Drain the boiled potatoes and add them to the creamy mixture.
6. Stir in garlic powder and hot pepper sauce to taste. Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh chives.

VARIATIONS:

• Add Vegetables: To make the soup even heartier and nutritious, consider adding vegetables such as diced carrots, corn kernels, or chopped celery. These additions will provide extra flavor and texture to the soup.
• Spicy Twist: If you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the soup. This will give it a nice kick and add some heat.
• Bacon Alternatives: While the traditional recipe calls for crispy fried bacon, you can experiment with different protein options. Try substituting the bacon with diced ham, cooked sausage crumbles, or even grilled chicken for a different twist.
• Cheesy Variations: While Velveeta cheese is commonly used in the original recipe, you can explore different cheese options to suit your taste. Consider using sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with herbs to enhance the soup’s flavor. Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill during the cooking process to infuse the soup with aromatic notes.
• Creamy Additions: For an extra creamy and luxurious texture, you can incorporate additional cream-based ingredients. Try stirring in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the soup just before serving.
• Garnish Ideas: Besides the traditional bacon, Cheddar cheese, parsley, and chives, you can get creative with garnishes. Consider topping your soup with crumbled tortilla chips, green onions, avocado slices, or even a drizzle of sriracha sauce for added visual appeal and flavor.