loaded potato soup recipe
The Best loaded potato soup recipe
What I really appreciate about this soup is how versatile it is. It works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for a cozy weekend lunch with friends. Plus, it’s easy to make in big batches, so I can freeze leftovers for those days when I don’t feel like cooking. And even though it’s rich and satisfying, it’s not overly heavy—just enough comfort without the guilt. The potatoes give it a good dose of fiber and potassium, the cheese adds protein, and the bacon (well, that’s just pure happiness). It’s the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: delicious, simple, and something the whole family will actually eat.
Loaded Potato Soup
A creamy and hearty potato soup loaded with bacon, cheese, green onions, and sour cream. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day, this soup is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
🥘Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. -
2
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook in the bacon grease until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. -
3
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. -
4
Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. -
5
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potato for texture. Alternatively, transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. -
6
Stir in the heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. -
7
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved bacon, additional shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
🔧Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Loaded Potato Soup Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Potato Soup
1. Can I make loaded potato soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make loaded potato soup in a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients (except dairy and toppings) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once the potatoes are tender, blend a portion of the soup (if desired) and stir in the dairy (milk, cream, or cheese) until melted. Top with bacon, cheese, green onions, or sour cream before serving.
2. Can I freeze loaded potato soup?
Loaded potato soup can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly, especially if it contains dairy. For best results, freeze the soup without dairy (milk, cream, or cheese) and add them fresh when reheating. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, stirring in dairy until smooth.
3. What’s the best way to thicken potato soup?
There are several ways to thicken potato soup:
– Blend a portion: Use an immersion blender to blend about 1-2 cups of the soup, then stir it back in.
– Mashed potatoes: Stir in leftover mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
– Roux: Cook equal parts butter and flour (1-2 tbsp each) until golden, then whisk into the soup.
– Cornstarch slurry: Mix 1-2 tbsp cornstarch with cold water, then stir into the soup and simmer until thickened.
4. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes, but the flavor and texture will be different. Sweet potatoes are sweeter and softer, so the soup will have a slightly caramelized taste. For a balanced flavor, mix half sweet potatoes with half regular potatoes or add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to offset the sweetness.
5. What toppings work best for loaded potato soup?
Classic toppings include:
– Crispy bacon bits
– Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
– Chopped green onions or chives
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt
– Diced avocado
– Extra black pepper or hot sauce
– Croutons or oyster crackers for crunch
– Fresh herbs like parsley or dill
