Cozy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy and hearty loaded potato soup brings comfort to chilly evenings with its rich, satisfying flavors.

Potatoes simmered to velvety perfection create a delightful base for this classic dish.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese add irresistible texture and depth.

Green onions sprinkled on top provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm soup.

Cheese melts into golden pools while bacon crackles with savory intensity.

Each spoonful promises a delicious journey through creamy, decadent goodness.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-warming soup into bowls and savor every single bite.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika or vegetarian bacon bits. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

• What potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They break down nicely and create a creamy texture when mashed.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and fat content. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain the creamy consistency.

Loaded Potato Soup Flavor Highlights

• Maximize Flavor Combinations: Bacon grease transforms simple ingredients into a rich, deeply satisfying soup with layers of savory taste that dance on your palate.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt this recipe by adding extra toppings like chives, more cheese, or crispy potato skins to make it uniquely yours and keep everyone excited about dinner.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Prepare this hearty soup in under an hour, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup

• Bacon: Rich and crispy meat that adds a smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that creates the thick and creamy foundation of the soup.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a robust and flavorful base for the soup.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a light, crisp garnish with a mild onion taste.

• Heavy Cream: Smooth ingredient that adds richness and silky texture to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that contributes a tangy and creamy dimension.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that provides a subtle tang and extra creaminess.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Stepwise Loaded Potato Soup Instructions

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

In the same pot with remaining bacon grease, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Use a potato masher to lightly crush some of the potatoes, creating a thicker and more rustic soup consistency. This helps develop a rich, hearty texture.

Step 5: Enrich and Smooth

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and create a luxuriously creamy soup.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference.

Adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor balance.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

• Crumbled bacon pieces
• Chopped green onions

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, classic soup.

Tips for Loaded Potato Soup

• Enhance the soup's flavor by using thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and depth. Swap regular potatoes with waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for a creamier texture and richer taste. Keep the soup from becoming too thick by adding extra chicken broth or milk if needed. Prepare a vegetarian version by replacing bacon with smoked paprika and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating on the stovetop to maintain the soup's creamy consistency.

Flavor Variations for Loaded Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth. Add diced mushrooms for umami flavor and extra protein.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a cheesy taste.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Soup: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Top with jalapeños and cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Keep the creamy base and toppings the same for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Potato Soup

• Cozy Bread Bowl Delight: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a rustic, comforting presentation that lets guests enjoy every last drop.
• Game Day Starter: Offer the soup in small cups as a warm appetizer during sports gatherings, garnished with extra cheese and crispy bacon bits for added crunch.
• Hearty Winter Meal: Pair the soup with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread to create a satisfying complete dinner that warms you from the inside out.
• Gourmet Potato Party: Set up a topping bar with various cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream so guests can customize their soup experience.

Storage Advice for Loaded Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Before reheating, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat on stovetop by warming over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
• When microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• If soup appears too thick after refrigeration, thin with a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating.
• Avoid boiling when reheating to prevent separation of cream and cheese.

Creamy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty loaded potato soup brings comfort with creamy Wisconsin cheddar and crispy bacon bits. Rich flavors blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll savor in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Potatoes and Proteins:

• 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 6 slices bacon

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Liquid:

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Crisp bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crunchy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender.
4. Partially mash the potatoes using a potato masher, creating a rustic texture with some chunks remaining for variety.
5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously while incorporating shredded cheddar cheese and tangy sour cream until fully integrated and smooth.
6. Allow the soup to simmer an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the soup reaches a rich, creamy consistency.
7. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with reserved crispy bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Achieve a silky smooth texture by using an immersion blender to partially blend the potatoes instead of a traditional masher.
• Customize the soup’s richness by adjusting the cream-to-broth ratio, making it lighter or more indulgent based on personal preference.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients like broth and cheese are certified gluten-free and skip any potential wheat-based thickeners.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling added salt, perfect for those watching their salt intake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg