The Creamiest Loaded Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy and hearty loaded potato soup whispers comfort on chilly evenings.

Potatoes become magical when transformed into a velvety blend of warmth and flavor.

Rich ingredients dance together, creating a bowl that feels like a warm hug.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese add delightful texture and depth to this classic dish.

Chopped green onions sprinkle a fresh brightness across the surface, making each spoonful exciting.

Pepper and salt balance the creamy base, ensuring every bite satisfies your hunger.

You’ll find this recipe simple yet incredibly delicious, perfect for weekend gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

Grab a spoon and let the comfort begin!

Storing Loaded Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze soup without toppings in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Cool soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• When reheating, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before warming.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this soup due to their starchy texture and ability to create a creamy consistency.

• Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains bacon and chicken broth. To make it vegetarian, replace bacon with crispy mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk, use turkey bacon, and add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more nutrients.

• Can I freeze loaded potato soup?

While you can freeze it, the texture might slightly change. Dairy-based soups can separate when thawed, so it’s best consumed fresh within 2-3 days of preparation.

What Makes Loaded Potato Soup So Comforting

• Boost Comfort Levels: A soul-warming soup that wraps you in cozy, delicious flavors perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty meal.
• Customize Your Bowl: Easy to personalize with different toppings like bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese, making it adaptable for everyone's taste preferences.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, allowing even beginner cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup

• Bacon: Provides a crispy, smoky flavor and crunchy topping for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich and savory liquid base for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic foundation to the soup.
• Potatoes: The main ingredient that gives the soup its hearty and creamy texture.

• Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds rich flavor.
• Milk or Cream: Provides smoothness and enhances the soup's creamy consistency.
• Cheese: Melts into the soup for extra richness and a tangy flavor.

• Chives: Offers a fresh, mild onion-like flavor and bright green color as a finishing touch.

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown and perfectly crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and set aside for later garnishing.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

In the same skillet with remaining bacon drippings, melt butter and add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Build The Soup Foundation

Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a standard blender. Pulse until partially smooth, creating a rich and creamy consistency while keeping some potato chunks intact.

Step 5: Enrich With Dairy

Stir in milk or heavy cream, blending thoroughly to create a silky smooth soup base. The dairy will add depth and richness to the overall flavor.

Step 6: Melt In Cheesy Goodness

Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and incorporated into the soup. Choose sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with crumbled crispy bacon, chopped fresh chives, and an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Loaded Potato Soup Perfection

• Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Reserve some bacon grease when cooking bacon to enhance the depth of flavor when sautéing onions and garlic.
• Use russet potatoes for their starchy quality, which helps create a thicker, more luxurious soup consistency.
• Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely to your taste.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with milk or use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.

Variations for Loaded Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace bacon with smoky tempeh strips and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
• Lean Protein Boost: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon and use low-fat milk to create a lighter soup option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified and skip flour-based thickeners for a celiac-safe meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Loaded Potato Soup

• Cozy Soup Night Feast: Serve this hearty soup with warm crusty bread for dipping, creating a comforting meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Loaded Potato Bar: Set up a toppings station with crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, shredded cheese, and sour cream, letting everyone customize their bowl.
• Harvest Lunch Combo: Pair the soup with a light autumn salad featuring mixed greens, roasted nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal that celebrates seasonal flavors.
• Casual Dinner Companion: Serve alongside grilled chicken or a simple herb-roasted turkey sandwich to transform the soup into a complete, satisfying dinner experience.

Creamy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty loaded potato soup brings comfort from American kitchens with creamy potatoes and classic toppings. Rich flavors blend smoothly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this satisfying winter classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 1/2 pound bacon
• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons chives

Liquid and Seasoning Base:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Fry bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Remove approximately half the soup and carefully purée in a blender until smooth, creating a velvety consistency. Return the puréed portion back to the pot.
5. Gradually stir in heavy cream or milk, whisking continuously to prevent separation. Incorporate shredded cheese and stir until completely melted and integrated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
7. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon pieces, chopped chives, and an additional sprinkle of cheese for extra richness.

Notes

• Achieve crispy bacon by cooking it in a cold skillet, gradually increasing heat to render fat perfectly.
• Prevent potato discoloration by submerging diced potatoes in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent and checking broth labels.
• Boost nutrition by adding roasted cauliflower or kale for extra vegetables without compromising the creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg