The Creamiest Loaded Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a comforting loaded potato soup brings warmth to chilly evenings and memories of hearty family dinners.

Potatoes create the perfect creamy base for this delightful dish that celebrates simple ingredients.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese add incredible depth to each spoonful.

Chopped green onions sprinkled on top provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich soup.

Smooth and velvety textures invite you to savor every delicious bite of this classic comfort food.

Cozy kitchens and happy conversations seem to emerge naturally when this soup simmers on the stove.

What Makes Loaded Potato Soup So Satisfying

• Comfort in a Bowl: A hearty soup that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, perfect for chilly days or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Requires minimal prep work and simple ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines classic ingredients like bacon, cheese, and potatoes that appeal to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Customizable Toppings: Offers flexibility with optional garnishes like green onions, extra bacon, or cheese, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl and create their perfect comfort food experience.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup

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

• Potatoes, Onions, Garlic: These vegetables create the foundational flavor and creamy base of the soup.

• Butter, Milk, Chicken Broth: These ingredients help create a smooth and rich soup consistency.
• Sour Cream, Cheese: Add creaminess and tangy flavor to the soup.

• Salt, Pepper, Flour: These help to season and thicken the soup, enhancing its overall taste and texture.

• Green Onions: Provide a fresh, sharp flavor and colorful finish to the soup.

How to Prepare Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Fry bacon in a large pot until it turns golden and crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the delicious drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Drop butter into the bacon drippings and add chopped onions.

Cook until the onions become translucent and soft.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release its fragrant oils.

Step 3: Create a Flavor-Packed Roux

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture.

Stir continuously to create a smooth roux, cooking for about two minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build the Soup Liquid

Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the liquid to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Cook the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot.

Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer until the potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, typically 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Create Texture

Use a potato masher to gently crush some of the potatoes.

This creates a wonderfully creamy and rustic texture that makes the soup more substantial.

Step 7: Final Flavor Boost

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Crumbled bacon

Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

• Chopped green onions
• Extra bacon bits
• Additional cheese

Serve immediately for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Pro Tips for Loaded Potato Soup

• Crisp the bacon perfectly by cooking it low and slow, ensuring maximum flavor and a satisfying crunch for topping the soup.
• Cook the flour and butter mixture thoroughly to eliminate raw flour taste and create a rich, smooth base for the soup.
• Partially mash some potatoes to create a creamy texture while leaving chunks for a hearty, rustic feel.
• Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Customize garnishes like crispy bacon bits, fresh green onions, or extra cheese to elevate the soup's flavor and presentation.

Variations on Loaded Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra cheese and crispy mushroom bits for depth.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and replace cheese with nutritional yeast for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, use heavy cream in place of milk, and keep all other seasonings the same for a keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and top with jalapeños. Use pepper jack cheese and swap green onions for cilantro for a zesty southwestern profile.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Potato Soup

• Bacon Crunch Topper: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top for a salty, crunchy texture that adds delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Garnish with a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese that melts beautifully into the warm soup, creating rich flavor layers.
• Green Onion Freshness: Scatter chopped green onions across the surface for a bright, zesty kick that cuts through the soup's richness and adds beautiful color.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up every delicious spoonful of this comforting potato soup.

Storing Loaded Potato Soup for Freshness

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the soup flat and covered to prevent skin formation.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid adding dairy toppings before freezing.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add fresh crispy bacon bits and green onions after reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon. Just crumble it and add at the end of the recipe. The flavor will still be delicious and it saves time in preparation.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down easily and help create a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good alternative.

• How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon. Add smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. Use plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives for a vegetarian version.

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy loaded potato soup brings comfort straight from hearty Midwestern kitchens, packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onion garnish. Warm spoons of this soul-satisfying soup will transport you to a delightful culinary embrace of pure, rich flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) bacon, bite-sized pieces
• 2 1/2 cups (590 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups (590 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (100 grams) mild or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) sour cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Green onions, to serve

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious Dutch oven until golden and crisp, creating delectable brown bits. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions in the residual bacon drippings and butter until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and cook until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence for roughly 30-45 seconds.
4. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, nutty roux. Toast for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Slowly incorporate milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Elevate heat and allow mixture to gently simmer.
6. Add cubed potatoes, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes until potatoes become tender but not mushy.
7. Partially mash potatoes using a potato masher, creating a rustic, creamy consistency with some potato chunks remaining.
8. Fold in shredded cheese, sour cream, and crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with chopped green onions, additional bacon bits, and optional toppings like extra cheese.

Notes

• Crisp bacon in a well-heated pan ensures maximum flavor and textural contrast in the soup.
• Reserve bacon drippings to enhance the depth of flavor and add richness to the base.
• Gradually adding liquid prevents lumps when creating the roux, resulting in a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Lightly mashing potatoes instead of fully pureeing maintains a rustic, hearty texture that defines this comforting soup.
• For a lighter version, swap whole milk with low-fat milk and use turkey bacon to reduce overall calories.
• Lactose-free alternative possible by using plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the soup’s aromatic profile with minimal effort.
• Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to preserve creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 396 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1675 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg