Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is creamy, hearty, and deeply comforting. It uses simple ingredients, comes together easily, and delivers classic loaded baked potato flavor in a warm, spoonable form.
Loaded Potato Soup: Rich, Creamy Comfort in Every Spoonful
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A rich and comforting loaded potato soup made with tender potatoes, creamy broth, crispy bacon, and melty cheese—perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Add butter to the pot, then sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Use a potato masher to slightly mash the soup for desired thickness.
- Top with crispy bacon and green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes.
- Use milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
- Soup thickens as it cools.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Potatoes are the foundation of the soup. Starchy varieties create a creamy texture while still holding some shape.
Butter adds richness and forms the flavor base of the soup.
Onion provides sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall savory profile.
Garlic adds warmth and aromatic flavor that complements the potatoes.
All-purpose flour thickens the soup, helping achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Chicken broth builds flavor while keeping the soup balanced and not overly heavy.
Milk contributes creaminess and softens the texture.
Heavy cream adds richness and gives the soup its signature velvety finish.
Cheddar cheese provides sharp, savory depth and classic loaded potato flavor.
Cooked bacon adds smokiness and texture, reinforcing the loaded baked potato theme.
Sour cream adds tang and balances the richness of the soup.
Salt enhances and sharpens all flavors.
Black pepper adds mild warmth and contrast.
Green onions provide freshness and a light bite that brightens the soup.
Directions
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for a minute to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps, then add the diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, allowing the soup to heat through. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Add cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and sour cream, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then simmer briefly before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 35 to 40 minutes. Total time is roughly 55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Variations and Customizations
Extra cheesy version
Increase cheddar cheese or add Monterey Jack for extra richness.
Broccoli loaded soup
Add steamed broccoli florets for texture and balance.
Spicy potato soup
Incorporate chili flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Vegetarian option
Use vegetable broth and omit bacon.
Lightened version
Reduce cream and use additional milk for a lighter soup.
FAQs
What potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the flavor improves after resting.
Can I freeze loaded potato soup?
Freezing is not recommended due to dairy separation.
How do I thicken the soup more?
Simmer uncovered or mash more potatoes.
Can I blend the soup fully?
Yes, for a smoother texture if preferred.
Is this soup very heavy?
It is rich but balanced; adjustments can lighten it.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, it works well for convenience.
What toppings are best?
Extra cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes, it will be slightly less rich.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, it is mild and very popular with children.
Conclusion
Loaded Potato Soup is a comforting, creamy classic that delivers everything people love about a loaded baked potato in an easy, satisfying soup. Rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for sharing, it is a dependable recipe that belongs in every home cook’s rotation.
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