Loaded Potato Soup Recipe: A Creamy Comfort Food for Cold Days
When the weather turns cold, few meals are as comforting as a warm bowl of creamy Loaded Potato Soup. This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a rich, creamy broth for a satisfying meal that is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Make the Creamy Base
Add the butter and allow it to melt.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
Add the milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Stir well to combine.
4. Add the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover partially and simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Avoid boiling the soup too aggressively because the dairy can separate.
5. Make It Extra Creamy
For a thicker soup, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot while leaving some chunks intact.
You can also blend a small portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
6. Add the Cheese and Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
Add the sour cream and mix until smooth.
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
7. Add the Toppings
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Top each serving with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and a small spoonful of sour cream.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup
- Use russet potatoes for a naturally creamy texture.
- Cut the potatoes into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Grate the cheese yourself for smoother melting.
- Do not boil the soup rapidly after adding the dairy.
- Mash some of the potatoes instead of blending the entire soup to keep a chunky texture.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning.
Optional Toppings
You can customize your loaded potato soup with your favorite toppings, including:
- Extra crispy bacon
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Chives
- Sour cream
- Diced jalapeños
- Croutons
- Fresh parsley
- A drizzle of hot sauce
How to Store Leftover Potato Soup
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, warm it gently over low to medium heat and stir occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth.
Can You Freeze Loaded Potato Soup?
Because this recipe contains dairy, freezing can sometimes cause the texture to become slightly grainy after thawing.
For the best texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently while stirring well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup without bacon?
Yes. Simply leave out the bacon and use butter or olive oil to sauté the onions. You can also add smoked paprika for a little extra smoky flavor.
Can I use different potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent alternative and give the soup a naturally buttery texture.
How can I make the soup thicker?
Mash more of the cooked potatoes into the soup. You can also make a small flour-and-butter roux before adding the broth and milk.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the potatoes, onion, garlic, and broth in a slow cooker until the potatoes are tender. Add the milk, cream, cheese, and sour cream toward the end of cooking to prevent the dairy from separating.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. With creamy potatoes, savory bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a rich broth, it is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
Serve it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for an easy and satisfying dinner the whole family can enjoy.
