Seafood

Loaded Potato and Bacon Chowder 2023

 

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 cup milk (or as needed to cover potatoes)
  • 1/2 to 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 lb ham, cubed
  • Nature’s seasonings (to taste)
  • Instant potatoes (as needed for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For serving:

  • Bread, rolls, or biscuits
  • Additional shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, chives (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in water until fork-tender. Drain half of the water, leaving enough to cover the potatoes.
  2. Add milk to cover the potatoes. Adjust the amount of milk based on your desired soup consistency.
  3. Stir in sour cream, unsalted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  4. Add the crumbled bacon and cubed ham to the pot. Stir to distribute the meats evenly.
  5. Season the soup with Nature’s seasonings, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
  6. Allow the soup to simmer over medium heat, letting the flavors meld together. If you desire a thicker consistency, add a little instant potatoes gradually until the desired thickness is achieved.
  7. Once the soup is heated through and reaches your preferred thickness, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  8. Serve the loaded potato and bacon chowder hot, accompanied by your choice of bread, rolls, or biscuits.
  9. Top each serving with additional shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, chives, or any other desired toppings.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Loaded Potato and Bacon Chowder with your favorite bread for a comforting and satisfying meal!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Loaded Potato and Bacon Chowder even more delightful :

  1. Bacon Crisps as Garnish:
    • Set aside a small portion of the cooked bacon crumbles to use as a crispy garnish on top of each serving. This adds a delightful texture contrast.
  2. Cheese Variety:
    • Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses, to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
  3. Fresh Herbs:
    • Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or green onions as a garnish just before serving. The freshness complements the richness of the chowder.
  4. Roasted Garlic:
    • Roast a few cloves of garlic and mash them into the soup for an added layer of savory depth.
  5. Caramelized Onions:
    • Consider caramelizing onions before adding them to the chowder for a sweet and savory flavor enhancement.
  6. Spice it Up:
    • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
  7. Freshly Ground Black Pepper:
    • Finish the chowder with freshly ground black pepper just before serving to enhance the aroma and flavor.
  8. Creamy Texture:
    • For an even creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the bacon and ham. This creates a velvety consistency.
  9. Cook Bacon in the Oven:
    • Bake the bacon in the oven instead of frying it for a hands-off, evenly crispy result. This also reduces splattering.
  10. Use Yukon Gold Potatoes:
    • Consider using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture and a buttery flavor.
  11. Smoked Ham Option:
    • Use smoked ham for an extra layer of smokiness that complements the bacon flavor.
  12. Serve in Bread Bowls:
    • Hollow out small bread bowls and serve the chowder inside for a fun and visually appealing presentation.
  13. Make Ahead and Reheat:
    • Allow the flavors to meld even more by making the chowder a day ahead. Reheat gently before serving, adjusting the thickness with a bit of milk if necessary.
  14. Customize Toppings:
    • Set up a “Loaded Potato Bar” with various toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, green onions, and crispy bacon for everyone to customize their bowl.

Remember, these tips are suggestions, and you can tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. Enjoy your Loaded Potato and Bacon Chowder!

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Loaded Potato and Bacon Chowder :

  1. Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?
    • Yes, you can experiment with different potato varieties. Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice for their creamy texture, but russet potatoes work well too.
  2. Is it possible to make this chowder ahead of time?
    • Absolutely! You can prepare the chowder in advance and reheat it gently before serving. Adjust the thickness with a bit of milk if needed.
  3. Can I freeze this chowder?
    • While you can freeze the chowder, keep in mind that dairy-based soups may experience texture changes after thawing. It’s recommended to consume it fresh for the best taste and consistency.
  4. What can I use if I don’t have Nature’s seasonings?
    • You can substitute with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper for a similar flavor profile.
  5. Can I make this chowder vegetarian?
    • Yes, you can omit the bacon and ham to make it vegetarian. Consider adding additional veggies like corn or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
  6. How do I prevent the soup from curdling when reheating?
    • Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling, and you can also add a splash of milk if needed.
  7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    • Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat for the best results.
  8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    • Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook the potatoes, milk, and seasonings on low for 6-8 hours. Add the bacon, ham, and cheese in the last hour.
  9. What’s the difference between mild and sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe?
    • Mild cheddar has a milder flavor, while sharp cheddar has a more intense and tangy taste. You can choose based on your preference for a subtle or bold cheese flavor.
  10. How can I make this chowder gluten-free?
    • Ensure that the ingredients like bacon and ham are gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative or omit it, adjusting the thickness with instant potatoes if necessary.
  11. Can I use a different meat instead of ham?
    • Yes, you can substitute ham with cooked and shredded chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage for a different flavor.
  12. What’s the best way to reheat individual servings?
    • Reheat individual servings in the microwave for convenience or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further clarification on any aspect of the recipe!

Achieving the perfect Loaded Potato and Bacon Chowder involves attention to detail and a few culinary secrets. Here are some tips to help you make a delicious bowl of chowder:

  1. Perfectly Cooked Potatoes:
    • Ensure the potatoes are peeled and cubed uniformly to ensure even cooking. They should be fork-tender but not mushy. Consider using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
  2. Balanced Creaminess:
    • Achieve a balanced creaminess by gradually adding milk until you reach the desired consistency. This allows you to control the richness of the chowder.
  3. Flavorful Bacon:
    • Cook the bacon until it’s crispy to enhance its flavor. Reserve some bacon crumbles for garnish to add a delightful crunch to each serving.
  4. Enhanced Cheesy Goodness:
    • Add shredded cheese gradually, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Use a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor profile.
  5. Layered Seasoning:
    • Season in layers. Season the potatoes, bacon, and ham individually to ensure each element is well-flavored. Taste and adjust the seasoning at different stages of cooking.
  6. Nature’s Seasonings Substitute:
    • If you don’t have Nature’s seasonings, create your own blend with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper for a similar flavor profile.
  7. Optimal Thickness with Instant Potatoes:
    • Add instant potatoes sparingly at the end to thicken the chowder. This allows you to control the thickness without compromising the flavor.
  8. Fresh Herbs for Finishing:
    • Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or green onions just before serving for a burst of freshness and a visually appealing touch.
  9. Texture Contrast:
    • Reserve a portion of the bacon crumbles to sprinkle on top of each serving. This adds a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy chowder.
  10. Slow and Low Heat:
    • Simmer the chowder over low to medium heat to allow the flavors to meld without scalding the dairy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  11. Roasted Garlic Infusion:
    • Roast a few garlic cloves and mash them into the chowder for a subtle roasted garlic flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
  12. Garnish Creatively:
    • Garnish each serving with creative toppings such as additional shredded cheese, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
  13. Quality Ham Selection:
    • Choose a quality ham, and if possible, use smoked ham for added depth and smokiness.
  14. Taste and Adjust:
    • Taste the chowder throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning, thickness, and overall flavor to your liking.

Remember, these tips are suggestions, and you can tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your perfectly crafted Loaded Potato and Bacon Chowder!