Loaded Potato Soup Recipe – Creamy and Delicious

Loaded potato soup transforms simple ingredients into the most comforting bowl of pure deliciousness. I’ve been making this recipe every winter for my family, and it never fails to warm hearts and fill bellies on chilly evenings.

There’s something magical about the first spoonful of this creamy, bacon-studded soup that takes me back to cozy family dinners growing up. The way the melted cheese stretches from your spoon, combined with crispy bacon bits and tender potato chunks, creates the ultimate comfort food experience. This loaded potato soup recipe delivers all the flavors of a perfectly baked potato in liquid form, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying. The best part? You can customize every bowl with your favorite toppings, turning dinner into a fun, build-your-own soup bar that everyone will love.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Loaded Potato Soup

I always use russet potatoes for this recipe because their starchy texture creates the creamiest base. Pro tip – don’t skip the roux step, as it’s what gives this loaded potato soup its silky, restaurant-quality consistency.

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Loaded Potato Soup

I prefer to cook the potatoes until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart – this creates the perfect texture balance in your finished soup.

Step 1: Place diced potatoes and chopped onion in large pot. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 2: In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth paste forms, creating your roux. Cook 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, then slowly add milk while whisking constantly until mixture thickens to coat the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 3: Pour the creamy milk mixture into your potato pot. Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use potato masher to gently mash about one-third of the potatoes for thickness while leaving plenty of chunky pieces for texture.

Step 4: Remove pot from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until completely smooth and creamy. This loaded potato soup should have a rich, golden color at this point.

Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Pro tip: Always add the cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating in your loaded potato soup. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash more broth or milk.

Perfect Pairings for Loaded Potato Soup

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with foods that complement its rich, creamy texture.

Crusty sourdough bread: The tangy flavor and crispy crust provide the perfect contrast to the smooth, creamy soup while offering something satisfying to dip.

Fresh garden salad: Light greens with a vinaigrette cut through the richness of the loaded potato soup and add fresh, crisp textures to balance the meal.

Grilled cheese sandwich: This classic combo creates the ultimate comfort food experience, with the buttery, melted cheese sandwich perfectly complementing the bacon-studded soup.

Roasted vegetables: Caramelized brussels sprouts or roasted carrots add nutritious color and earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with creamy potato dishes.

Build Your Ultimate Soup Collection

This loaded potato soup creates the perfect foundation for a diverse comfort soup collection. For international flair, pair it with our unique Russian Potato and Mushroom Soup, which offers earthy mushroom flavors that beautifully complement the familiar loaded potato taste.

When meal planning for busy weeks, consider preparing this alongside our warming Comforting Chicken Soup with Potatoes and bold Creamy Chorizo Potato Soup. These three recipes provide variety in protein and spice level while maintaining the soul-warming comfort that makes potato soups perfect for any season.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

This loaded potato soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.

When reheating, warm gently over low heat (medium-low setting) while stirring frequently to prevent the dairy from separating. Add a splash of milk or broth if the consistency becomes too thick after refrigeration.

Pro tip: I recommend making this loaded potato soup a day ahead for dinner parties – the extra time allows all those delicious flavors to develop even more depth and complexity.

Common Questions About Loaded Potato Soup

Ready to Make This Comfort Food Classic?

This loaded potato soup recipe proves that the best comfort foods come from simple ingredients prepared with care and attention. Every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of creamy potatoes, sharp cheese, and smoky bacon that makes cold days feel warmer and ordinary dinners feel special.

Try this recipe tonight and discover why loaded potato soup has become a family favorite in kitchens across the country!

Print