Craving Comfort? O’Charley’s Potato Soup Recipe

Whip Up O’Charley’s Loaded Potato Soup at Home!

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of creamy potato soup to chase away the chills and satisfy your soul. And if you’re a fan of O’Charley’s iconic Loaded Potato Soup, you’re in for a treat! This recipe unlocks the secrets to recreating that restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.

So, ditch the delivery app and gather your ingredients. We’re about to embark on a delicious journey towards homemade potato soup bliss!

Calling All Soup Adventurers:

Here’s what you’ll need to fill your pantry with:

• For the Creamy Potato Base:
  • 3 pounds red potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 8 cups half-and-half (or a combination of milk and heavy cream)
  • 1 (16-ounce) package Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
• For the Loaded Goodness:
  • 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Let’s Cook Up Some Comfort!

1. Prepare Your Potatoes: In a large pot, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water (just in case you need to thin the soup later).
2. Butter Up the Base: While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux (a fancy way of saying a thickener for our soup).
3. Creamy Dream Team: Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and reserved potato water, a little at a time, until fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Cheese Please!: Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and continue whisking until melted and smooth. Season with white pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce (if using).
5. Potato Power: Add the cooked and drained potatoes to the creamy cheese mixture and mash some of them with a potato masher to create a chunky texture, if desired.
6. Bacon Bits of Bliss: In a separate skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
7. Soup’s On!: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives. Add a touch of parsley for extra color, if desired.

Tips for a Top-Tier Soup:

• For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of half-and-half.
• Love it extra cheesy? Add an extra cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Don’t have Velveeta? You can substitute shredded cheddar cheese or another melting cheese like Monterey Jack.
• Leftovers? Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

With this recipe, you can bring the comforting flavors of O’Charley’s Loaded Potato Soup to your own table. So grab your spoons, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a taste of pure potato paradise!

Level Up Your Loaded Potato Soup: Variations and Fun Twists!

We’ve conquered the classic O’Charley’s Loaded Potato Soup, but the adventure doesn’t stop there! Let’s explore some exciting variations to add your own personal touch to this comforting dish:

Spice Up Your Life:

• Southwest Fiesta: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans, a teaspoon of chili powder, and a sprinkle of cumin to the soup for a south-of-the-border twist. Top with chopped fresh cilantro instead of chives.
• Spicy Sausage Sensation: Sauté crumbled Italian sausage with the bacon for an extra layer of savory goodness.

Veggie Power:

• Broccoli Cheddar Brilliance: Add a cup of chopped steamed broccoli florets to the soup along with the potatoes.
• Roasted Veggie Remix: Roast chopped carrots, bell peppers, and onions before adding them to the soup for a burst of flavor and color.

Go Gourmet:

• Caramelized Onion Elegance: Sauté thinly sliced onions in butter until golden brown and caramelized before adding them to the roux. This adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the soup.
• French Onion Flair: Add a cup of thinly sliced French onions to the soup and broil the tops with shredded Gruyere cheese for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Don’t forget the Sides!

• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the soup.
• Warm crusty bread for dipping adds a satisfying textural contrast.
• A dollop of sour cream on top of each bowl adds a cool and tangy element.

With these variations and topping ideas, you can transform this recipe into a versatile crowd-pleaser. So unleash your inner chef, have fun experimenting, and create your own signature version of O’Charley’s Loaded Potato Soup!