The Creamiest Loaded Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty loaded potato soup that promises pure deliciousness.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in a bowl of pure satisfaction.

Potatoes become the star ingredient, blending seamlessly with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese.

Skilled home cooks can whip up this soul-warming dish in under an hour.

Fragrant herbs and rich cream create a symphony of taste that feels like a warm embrace.

Chunky vegetables and smooth potato puree combine for a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Each spoonful tells a story of warmth and homemade goodness that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Why You’ll Keep Craving Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, creamy potato soup that hugs your soul with every spoonful.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Prepares in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious comfort food.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions let everyone create their perfect soup experience.
• Affordable Ingredient Lineup: Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients found in most kitchen pantries, making it an economical dinner option.

All Items In Loaded Potato Soup

• Russet Potatoes: Hearty base providing creamy texture and substantial potato flavor, choose firm potatoes without soft spots or sprouts.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid foundation for soup's depth, adds savory background to potato base.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Contributes silky smoothness and rich dairy character, whole milk recommended for best consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic duo creating foundational soup flavor, fresh ingredients preferred for maximum taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty component adding robust cheese flavor, sharp varieties provide more intense taste.
• Bacon: Crispy protein topping with smoky saltiness, thick-cut bacon works best for maximum crunch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing overall taste profile.

• Sour Cream: Tangy topping adding cool creaminess, full-fat version recommended.
• Green Onions: Fresh herbal garnish providing color and mild onion accent.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth soup base.

Loaded Potato Soup How-To

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking and stirring until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

• Potatoes
• Chicken broth

Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender and nearly falling apart, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the potatoes.

Mash to your preferred consistency – whether you want a few chunks or a completely smooth soup.

Step 4: Enrich with Dairy and Cheese

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Bacon

Stir in milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Add half of the crumbled bacon into the pot.

Continue cooking until the cheese melts completely and the soup thickens slightly.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and gently fold in sour cream, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Top with remaining crispy bacon bits, additional shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Loaded Potato Soup Tips That Pros Use

• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for a creamier, more luxurious soup consistency.
• Lower heat when adding dairy to avoid separating and ensure smooth, silky texture.
• Cook bacon separately to control crispness and prevent soggy pieces in the soup.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese and bacon alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Adjust liquid amount or mash potatoes less for a thicker soup, or add more broth for a thinner consistency.

What to Do with Extra Loaded Potato Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with sour cream or fresh garnishes.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop heating when soup is steaming hot.

Loaded Soup Side Matches

• Savor Complementary Bacon and Cheese Brew: A light amber ale or crisp pilsner perfectly matches the soup's rich, smoky bacon and creamy cheese flavors.
• Pair with Rustic Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, crusty sourdough or french baguette to dip into the thick, velvety potato soup, soaking up all those delicious cheesy-bacon notes.
• Create Fresh Green Contrast: Balance the soup's heaviness with a bright, tangy side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to cleanse the palate and complement the soup's creamy texture with its subtle acidity and refreshing finish.

Loaded Potato Soup Styles

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based bacon or smoked tofu bits for crunch. Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute milk and cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. Use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese entirely for a lighter version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with cilantro and a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Maintain creamy texture by using similar cooking method and add extra cheese for richness.

FAQs

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, loaded potato soup provides valuable nutrients. It contains protein from bacon and cheese, carbohydrates from potatoes, and calcium from dairy ingredients. The soup offers a balanced mix of energy-giving components.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit bacon, and use plant-based cheese alternatives. You’ll still enjoy a creamy, flavorful soup that maintains the core recipe’s essence.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe. They’re starchy and break down easily, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Their high starch content helps thicken the soup naturally without extra ingredients.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon. Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery during the simmering process to increase nutritional value and create more depth of flavor.

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty loaded potato soup, delivering rich creamy goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Potato lovers will savor each spoonful of this classic comfort dish that warms hearts and satisfies hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (0.95 liters) chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel and gently dissolve butter, sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until they turn translucent and release their aromatic essence.
2. Introduce diced potatoes and chicken broth into the pot, elevating the temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous bubble, then reduce heat to allow gentle simmering.
3. Allow potatoes to tenderize and break down, periodically checking their softness with a fork, which typically requires approximately 15-20 minutes of patient cooking.
4. Transform the potato mixture into a creamy texture by carefully mashing or blending the contents, creating a rustic yet smooth consistency that captures the hearty character of the soup.
5. Introduce milk, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to ensure smooth incorporation and prevent any potential scorching.
6. Fold in half of the crispy bacon pieces, allowing their smoky flavor to permeate the liquid while the cheese melts and integrates seamlessly into the soup’s body.
7. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences and balancing the flavors.
8. Remove from heat and gently swirl in sour cream, creating a luxurious and velvety finish to the soup.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with remaining bacon crumbles, additional shredded cheese, freshly chopped green onions, and an optional dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgent presentation.

Notes

• Customize potato texture by choosing between chunky mashed or completely smooth soup using your preferred mashing technique.
• Swap whole milk and cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or plant-based milk for a lower-calorie version.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and gradually adding salt to match your dietary preferences.
• Transform this recipe into a vegetarian option by replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth and bacon with smoked paprika for similar depth of flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg