The Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty loaded potato soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese.

Russet potatoes form the perfect canvas for a soul-soothing meal.

Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch to every spoonful.

My grandmother’s secret technique ensures each bite feels like a culinary hug.

Cheese lovers and soup enthusiasts will absolutely adore this recipe rich, indulgent flavors.

You can’t help but fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary dish.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each type will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.

• Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use olive oil instead. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

• How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and slowly stir it into the soup to help thicken the consistency.

• Can I freeze this loaded potato soup?

While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly. The cream and potatoes can become slightly grainy when thawed, but the taste will remain delicious.

Loaded Potato Soup: Flavor-Packed and Hearty

Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: A Soup That Delivers Warmth and Satisfaction

• Embrace Hearty Simplicity: This loaded potato soup transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal culinary skills required.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a delicious, creamy soup in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors like crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender potatoes, this recipe wins over both kids and adults with its irresistible taste.
• Customize Your Bowl: Easily adapt the soup with extra toppings like green onions or additional cheese, making each serving a personalized comfort food experience.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup

• Bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy flavor and adds rich texture to the soup.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Contribute to the smooth and creamy consistency of the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and helps create a rich cheese base.
• Sour Cream: Offers a cool, tangy finish and additional creaminess.

• Potatoes: Serve as the hearty, starchy foundation of the soup.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational aromatic flavor profile.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth roux and thickens the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and liquid base for the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

• Green Onions: Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color accent.

How to Prepare Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Cook bacon pieces in a large pot over medium heat until they turn golden and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a separate plate, keeping about a tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously.

This creates a roux that will help thicken the soup.

Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer to Softness

Let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Add Creamy Richness

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Blend in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to achieve the perfect flavor balance.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

• Extra shredded cheddar
• Crispy bacon crumbles
• Chopped green onions
• Additional sour cream (optional)

Tips for Loaded Potato Soup Perfection

• Choose thick-cut, smoky bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that adds depth to the soup's overall taste.
• Whisk flour slowly and constantly into the bacon fat to create a smooth base, ensuring no clumpy bits disrupt the soup's creamy consistency.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent some chunks from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Add heavy cream and milk gradually at low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, rich soup texture that coats the palate beautifully.
• Prepare toppings separately so guests can customize their bowl with desired amounts of bacon, cheese, green onions, and sour cream.

Variations for Loaded Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap bacon with crispy mushroom bits or roasted vegetable crumbles for texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Use cashew cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar. Replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Lighter Healthier Option: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Swap half the cream with low-fat milk. Add cauliflower with potatoes to reduce overall carbohydrate content. Include extra vegetables like carrots or celery for nutrition boost.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Potato Soup

• Cozy Family Dinner: Pair this hearty soup with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread for a complete meal that'll satisfy everyone at the table.
• Game Day Comfort: Serve in large mugs as a warming appetizer during sports watching parties, topped with extra crispy bacon bits and chives.
• Lunch Companion: Pack in a thermos for a delicious work or school lunch, keeping it hot and filling for midday hunger.
• Gourmet Touch: Elevate the presentation by serving in individual bread bowls, allowing guests to enjoy the creamy soup inside a crunchy bread vessel.

Storage Advice for Loaded Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing garnishes like bacon or green onions.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency.

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy loaded potato soup combines hearty ingredients for a comforting meal that warms from within. Home cooks will savor rich flavors and creamy textures with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6–8 slices bacon, diced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving one tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
2. Melt butter into the remaining bacon fat, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes and increase heat to bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce heat and allow potatoes to cook until fork-tender, approximately 15-18 minutes.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, whole milk, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese completely melts and creates a velvety consistency.
7. Fold in sour cream and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Ladle soup into serving bowls and top with reserved bacon crumbles, additional cheese, sliced green onions, and an optional dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from bacon for a leaner soup without compromising flavor.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for a creamier, thicker texture that helps naturally thicken the soup.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch when creating the roux.
• Consider adding roasted cauliflower or pureed vegetables to boost nutrition and create a lighter, more vegetable-forward soup without losing the rich, comforting essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg