5-Step Loaded Potato Soup Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Table of Contents

Introduction

Loaded potato soup recipe lovers, this is your ultimate guide! There’s nothing better than a creamy, hearty bowl of soup packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through making the best loaded potato soup recipe from scratch.

What Is Loaded Potato Soup?

Key ingredients for loaded potato soup: diced potatoes, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh green onions.

What Makes a Recipe “Loaded”?

The term “loaded” refers to toppings that take a simple potato soup to the next level. Think crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. These additions make a standard potato soup richer, more flavorful, and irresistibly indulgent.

Why This Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Stands Out

This recipe is not just easy to follow; it’s also customizable and designed for the perfect creamy consistency every time. You’ll never need another recipe once you try this!

Why Make Loaded Potato Soup at Home?

Homemade loaded potato soup cooking on the stove, surrounded by fresh ingredients, emphasizing the comfort of home cooking.

Fresh Ingredients Mean Better Flavor

Homemade soup always tastes better because you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and avoiding unnecessary preservatives.

Perfectly Tailored to Your Needs

This loaded potato soup recipe can be adapted for dietary preferences, whether gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free.

Affordable Comfort Food

Making your soup at home is far more cost-effective than ordering it at a restaurant, plus you’ll have leftovers for days.

Step-by-Step Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Step-by-step preparation of loaded potato soup, including frying bacon, sautéing onions, adding potatoes to broth, and mixing in cheese and cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk or cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions to Make the Soup

Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy. Let it cool and crumble it for later.
Make the Base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Slowly pour in the broth and milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Add Potatoes and Aromatics: Toss in diced potatoes, onion, and garlic. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Blend (Optional): Use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks intact.
Incorporate Toppings: Stir in cheddar cheese, sour cream, and half the bacon bits. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining bacon, green onions, and extra cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Soup

Russet potatoes and an immersion blender, essential for creating a creamy and well-textured loaded potato soup.

Use Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture makes the soup extra creamy.
Blend to Your Preference: For a smooth soup, puree all the potatoes; for a rustic feel, leave it chunky.
Save the Bacon Grease: Cook your onions and garlic in bacon grease for added flavor.

Variations of the Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Three variations of loaded potato soup: one vegetarian with smoked cheese, one gluten-free, and one dairy-free, each presented in separate bowls.

Vegetarian-Friendly

Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked cheese for a savory kick.

Gluten-Free Option

Replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener, such as cornstarch or potato starch.

Dairy-Free Option

Substitute dairy products with almond or coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

FAQs

Can I Freeze Loaded Potato Soup?
Yes, but freeze it before adding dairy. Stir in milk or cream after reheating for the best texture.
How Do I Thicken Potato Soup?
Mash some cooked potatoes directly in the pot or add a tablespoon of instant potato flakes.
What Toppings Work Best?
Crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions are classic, but jalapeños or hot sauce can spice things up.
What’s the Best Potato for Soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy consistency, but Yukon Gold potatoes work well for a buttery flavor.
Can I Make It Ahead?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a recipe worth keeping. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of warmth on a chilly day. Try it out and let us know your favorite way to serve it!

This loaded potato soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory toppings, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and experience the joy of a homemade classic. Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family!