Nothing beats a steaming bowl of hearty goodness on a chilly evening, and this Loaded Potato Soup delivers on every level. From the moment you stir in tender russet potatoes and watch the velvety broth swirl with ribbons of melted cheddar, you know you’re in for something special. The rich blend of heavy cream and sour cream offers a luxurious mouthfeel that’s perfectly balanced by the sharp tang of real cheddar cheese. Each spoonful wraps you in the familiar, nostalgic comforts of home—where bacon bits crunch under your teeth and green onion slices add a fresh, vibrant note. Whether you’re settling in for a quiet night with a good book or serving up smiles around a busy dinner table, this recipe strikes the perfect chord between indulgence and ease.
What truly elevates this soup, though, is the way its flavors deepen when it’s made ahead and gently reheated the next day. You’ll find that the savory bacon and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes meld even more seamlessly after a little rest—so it’s ideal for meal prep or for those times when you want a fuss-free dinner option. With only 15 minutes of active prep and about 30 minutes on the stove, even beginner cooks can whip up a crowd-pleasing pot of creamy comfort. By blending hands-on techniques like lightly mashing the potatoes with easy steps like simmering and stirring, this dish feels both fun and accessible. Whether you’re crafting a hearty lunch or looking for a soul-warming weeknight dinner, this Loaded Potato Soup is the go-to for warm, flavorful satisfaction.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN LOADED POTATO SOUP
Before diving into the pot, let’s take a moment to celebrate the key ingredients that transform simple pantry staples into a soul-soothing masterpiece. Each component brings its own character—from crispy bacon that dances on your tongue to the gentle tang of sour cream that rounds out the rich broth. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Bacon
Crispy, smoky goodness that adds a crunchy contrast and deep umami flavor, helping to elevate the richness of the soup.
- Unsalted Butter
Provides a creamy base for sautéing onions and garlic, imparting a silky texture without oversalting the dish.
- Onion
Diced and softened until translucent, onions lay the aromatic foundation and add a touch of natural sweetness.
- Garlic
Minced to release its bold flavor, garlic infuses the soup with a warm, savory depth that complements the creaminess.
- All-Purpose Flour
Coats the onion-and-garlic mixture to create a roux, which thickens the broth into a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Chicken Broth
Delivers a gentle savory note and thins the roux to the perfect soup-like texture, balancing creaminess and flavor.
- Russet Potatoes
Peeled and diced, these starchy potatoes break down beautifully when cooked, lending body and a tender bite.
- Heavy Cream
Enriches the soup with velvety smoothness and a subtle sweetness that merges beautifully with the sharp cheese.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the hot soup for a gooey, cheesy embrace that’s both sharp and comforting.
- Sour Cream
Adds a tangy brightness and silky finish, cutting through the richness to keep the flavor profile balanced.
- Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient, allowing you to customize the soup’s savory punch.
- Green Onions
Thinly sliced for garnish, they introduce a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color.
- Additional Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkled on top for that irresistible cheesy pull, making every spoonful Instagram-worthy.
- Chopped Bacon
Scattered over each bowl to add texture, a smoky note, and a satisfying crunch right at the end.
HOW TO MAKE LOADED POTATO SOUP
Every great soup starts with great technique, and this recipe combines straightforward steps with hands-on touches that let you control the final texture and flavor. Ready to get cooking? Let’s jump right in:
1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes perfectly crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside for garnish and extra smoky flavor.
2. Carefully pour out most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind. This little bit of rendered fat will infuse the next steps with a savory backbone.
3. Return the pot to medium heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until the flour turns lightly browned—this forms a flavorful roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Increase the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a boil, which activates the thickening power of the roux.
6. Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready to break down.
7. Use a potato masher to lightly mash the potatoes in the pot, adjusting the consistency to your preference—either chunky or more blended.
8. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is steaming hot.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, additional shredded cheddar, and any other favorite toppings for a final flourish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR LOADED POTATO SOUP
When it comes to serving this Loaded Potato Soup, presentation and pairing can turn a simple bowl into a shareable centerpiece for family dinners or casual gatherings. Here are some creative suggestions to make every serving shine:
- Serve with a warm, crusty artisan bread on the side so guests can scoop up every last drop and create their own mini-delicacies.
- Garnish with a handful of fresh chopped herbs—like chives or parsley—to introduce a bright, herbal contrast that balances the richness.
- Hollow out small bread bowls and ladle the soup inside for an on-the-go, rustic look that delights both kids and adults alike.
- Drizzle a bit of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over each bowl to add a subtle kick, perfect for spice enthusiasts who love a flavor edge.
HOW TO STORE LOADED POTATO SOUP
Making a big batch of this dreamy soup means you can enjoy cozy comfort for days to come. Proper storage keeps the flavors intact and ensures you’re always just minutes away from a nourishing meal. Here are easy tips to keep your soup tasting fresh:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.
- For longer storage, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave a little headspace, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.
- If you love a super creamy texture, stir in an extra splash of heavy cream or sour cream when reheating from either the fridge or freezer—this revives the soup’s original richness.
- Keep garnishes like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions separate in small containers. Add them fresh to each bowl just before serving to preserve their bright color and crisp texture.
CONCLUSION
From the very first spoonful of loaded, velvety broth to the last crispy bite of bacon garnish, this Loaded Potato Soup is all about embracing warmth, comfort, and flavor. We’ve covered every step—from crisping bacon and forming a perfectly golden roux to stirring in cream, cheese, and tangy sour cream—so even cooks at a beginner level can achieve restaurant-worthy results at home. With a total cooking time of around 30 minutes and just 15 minutes of prep, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing lunch, or a make-ahead meal that develops even more depth after resting. The simplicity of pantry-friendly ingredients, combined with a few fresh garnishes, means you can whip up a bowl anytime the craving strikes. Don’t forget, you can always print this article and save it for easy reference next time you need a cozy, flavorful meal. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section addressing common questions, ensuring you feel confident tackling this recipe from start to finish without any hiccups.
We’d love to hear how your pot of Loaded Potato Soup turns out! If you have any comments, questions, or tweaks of your own—maybe you tried a different cheese or added a new spice—please share your feedback. Your experiences help others tweak the recipe and discover fresh ideas for their next batch. Whether you need clarification on steps, want suggestions for ingredient swaps, or simply want to brag about how this soup brought smiles to your table, drop a note below. Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy nights warmed by bowls of creamy, cheesy goodness!
Loaded Potato Soup
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Potato Soup, featuring crispy bacon, creamy cheddar, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for cozy nights!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
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Pour out most of the bacon fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon for added flavor.
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Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned.
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Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Using a potato masher, lightly mash the potatoes in the pot to your preferred consistency.
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Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is hot throughout.
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Serve the soup hot garnished with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, additional shredded cheddar cheese, and any other desired toppings.
Note
- This soup can be made ahead of time; flavors continue to develop overnight.
- Use your favorite type of cheese for different flavor variations.
- Adding a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor profile.
- Consider using a hand blender for a creamier texture if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
