Easy Cheesy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Creamy comfort awaits in this delectable loaded potato soup that promises pure warmth and satisfaction.

Hearty potatoes blend seamlessly with rich, velvety ingredients to create a soul-soothing meal.

Each spoonful bursts with incredible flavor and texture that will make you swoon.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese elevate this classic soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Smooth and indulgent, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality goodness right in your kitchen.

Steaming hot and packed with delicious toppings, you’ll fall in love with every single bite.

What Goes Into Loaded Potato Soup

• Bacon: A savory meat that provides a smoky flavor and crispy topping for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid base that adds depth and richness to the soup.

• Butter: Creates a smooth base for the roux and adds richness to the soup.
• Flour: Works with butter to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
• Milk: Provides a smooth and creamy consistency to the soup.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup, creating a rich and cheesy flavor profile.

• Potatoes: The star ingredient that gives the soup its hearty and comforting base.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp flavor to the finished dish.

Steps to Loaded Potato Soup Perfection

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large pot over medium heat until perfectly golden and crunchy.

Transfer bacon to paper towels, leaving a tablespoon of flavorful drippings behind.

Crumble the bacon for a delightful topping.

Step 2: Aromatic Vegetable Base

Dive into the bacon drippings with diced onions, cooking them until soft and translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and stir quickly to release their fragrant essence without burning.

Step 3: Create a Silky Foundation

Melt butter into the onion and garlic mixture.

Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously, creating a smooth base that will give the soup its luxurious thickness.

Step 4: Build the Soup’s Body

• Diced potatoes
• Enough liquid to cover the potatoes completely

Bring to a bubbling boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes become tender and dreamy.

Step 5: Texture Magic

Grab a potato masher or spoon and gently crush some potatoes.

Leave some chunks for a rustic, hearty feel that makes each spoonful interesting.

Step 6: Creamy Transformation

• Milk
• Sour cream

Warm gently without boiling to prevent any milk separation.

Step 7: Cheese Extravaganza

Remove from heat and gradually melt cheddar cheese into the soup, creating a rich, velvety texture that screams comfort.

Step 8: Final Flavor Touches

Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Step 9: Serve with Flair

Ladle into bowls and crown with any additional toppings that make your heart happy.

Tips for Making Loaded Potato Soup Creamy

• Save extra bacon fat to intensify the soup's smoky flavor and add depth to the overall taste.
• Partially mash potatoes while leaving some chunks to create a perfect balance between creamy and chunky soup consistency.
• Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, silky texture.
• Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking potatoes to keep them tender without breaking apart completely.
• Replace whole milk with low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version of the soup.

Loaded Potato Soup Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Potato Soup
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce cooking time to 10-15 minutes. Keep the same creamy base and toppings. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Up Loaded Potato Soup Warm

• Soup Companion Platter: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or warm crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious creamy soup.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a light, tangy green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness.
• Comfort Combo: Create a hearty meal by adding a simple grilled chicken breast or herb-roasted turkey slices on the side for extra protein.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the soup's creamy texture with a chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall dining experience.

Storing Loaded Potato Soup for Later

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Seal completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding dairy toppings before freezing.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute bacon with vegetable bacon or smoked paprika for flavor. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use plant-based cheese and skip bacon for garnish.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

Not originally. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour to thicken the soup. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use turkey bacon, low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Add extra vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to increase nutritional value.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they’re starchy and break down easily, creating a creamy texture. Yukon gold potatoes are also a good alternative.

Loaded Potato Soup Everyone Will Love

Savor Comfort in a Bowl: Loaded Potato Soup’s Irresistible Charm

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this hearty soup with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Delivers rich, creamy flavors that satisfy everyone from kids to adults, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
• Flexible Feast: Customize with various toppings like extra cheese, crispy bacon, or green onions to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Cozy Meal Solution: Provides a warm, filling dish ideal for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or when craving something substantial and comforting.

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy loaded potato soup brings comfort and warmth to chilly evenings, packed with hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Homemade goodness awaits when you savor this soul-satisfying bowl of pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sour cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup chopped green onions (scallions)
• Additional toppings (extra cheese, bacon bits, smoked paprika)

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions in butter until translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aroma in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring vigorously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the soup.
4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to eliminate any lumps and create a silky base.
5. Add diced potatoes to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Pour in whole milk, stirring to incorporate and maintain a creamy consistency.
7. Mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to create a thicker, more rustic texture while leaving some chunks for heartiness.
8. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing them to melt completely and create a rich, velvety soup.
9. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, generously topping with crispy crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
11. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering additional cheese or bacon as optional garnishes for guests to customize their bowls.

Notes

• Choose potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best texture and flavor in your soup.
• Crisp bacon beforehand and reserve some for topping to add extra crunch and smoky depth.
• Dice onions and potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent soup texture.
• Customize soup thickness by adjusting chicken broth and milk quantities based on personal preference.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg