Loaded potato soup: just saying the words brings comfort, doesn’t it? It’s like that warm, cozy feeling you get when you’re wrapped up in a blanket on a chilly evening. Rich, creamy, and full of deliciously familiar flavors-this soup is the definition of homey goodness. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, loaded potato soup is a true winner. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that you can easily tweak to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a versatile option for any day of the week.
Whether you’re planning to whip it up for a family dinner, a cozy lunch, or as a starter for a larger meal, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the easy loaded potato soup recipe, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can master it at home.
Easy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
This recipe takes the classic concept of loaded potatoes and transforms it into a creamy, savory soup. No fancy ingredients required, just wholesome, simple items that deliver big flavor. The potatoes are the star of the show, but bacon, cheese, and green onions add that essential "loaded" twist. And the best part? You don’t need hours of work to create this comforting masterpiece. You can make it from scratch in just about an hour-perfect for any busy weeknight or weekend gathering!
Ingredients Needed
Before we get into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this hearty soup.
-
4 large russet potatoes (or about 6 medium potatoes)
Russet potatoes are the best option for this soup because of their starchy texture, which gives the soup its signature creamy consistency. Their skins also help thicken the soup naturally.
-
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Onions provide that savory, slightly sweet depth of flavor that balances the richness of the potatoes and cream.
-
4 strips of bacon, chopped
Bacon is a key component of the "loaded" part of the soup. The smoky flavor and crispy texture bring an extra layer of indulgence.
-
4 Cups Chicken Broth
Chicken broth serves as the base for the soup, adding richness and flavor. You could also use vegetable broth if you’re aiming for a vegetarian option.
-
2 Cups Whole Milk
The milk adds the necessary creaminess, creating that silky texture that makes this soup so satisfying.
-
1 Cup Heavy Cream
This gives the soup an extra level of richness and decadence. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can swap out the heavy cream for more milk, but the cream really makes the texture velvety.
-
2 Cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is the classic cheese of choice, melting beautifully into the soup and giving it that tangy, savory flavor.
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
These essential seasonings will enhance all the flavors in the soup.
-
Green onions (for garnish)
The fresh, sharp flavor of green onions provides a nice contrast to the creamy richness of the soup, making them an essential garnish.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring them together in a pot and create something amazing. Follow these steps, and you’ll have loaded potato soup ready to serve in no time.
-
Prepare The Potatoes
- Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. This helps them cook faster and allows the soup to blend together nicely. Set them aside for now.
-
Cook The Bacon
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Leave the bacon fat in the pot-this will infuse the soup with flavor.
-
Sauté The Onions
- In the same pot with the bacon fat, sauté the chopped onions until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The onions should soak up all the delicious bacon flavor left behind.
-
Cook The Potatoes
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them in the onion-bacon mixture. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes, giving them a bit of a sear to develop flavor.
-
Add The Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
-
Blend The Soup (optional)
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly, leaving some potato chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup into a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
-
Add The Milk And Cream
- Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the soup back to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Finish The Soup
- Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
-
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with the crispy bacon, extra cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup is carefully chosen to create a balanced, flavorful bowl of comfort. Here’s why they matter:
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture helps thicken the soup, giving it that satisfying, creamy base.
- Bacon: Provides a smoky richness that complements the creaminess of the soup, adding texture and depth.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds both flavor and creaminess, melting perfectly into the soup for that “loaded” touch.
- Heavy cream: While optional, heavy cream brings an indulgent richness, making each bite feel luxurious.
Expert Tips
- For a smoother soup: If you want a super creamy soup, blend it more thoroughly. A high-speed blender will give you a silky-smooth texture, but even using an immersion blender right in the pot can work wonders.
- For more flavor depth: Try adding a garlic clove or two when you sauté the onions. Garlic works beautifully with the bacon and adds another layer of savory flavor.
- Make it spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño while cooking the onions.
- For extra toppings: Sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can be a great creamy garnish, and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon or fresh herbs (like thyme) will elevate the soup even more.
Recipe Variations
One of the great things about loaded potato soup is that it’s easily customizable. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or leeks for added flavor.
- Vegan Version: Swap out the cream and cheese for plant-based alternatives. Almond milk or coconut cream can replace the dairy, and vegan cheddar or nutritional yeast can give you the cheesy flavor.
- Cheesy Broccoli Loaded Potato Soup: Add steamed broccoli florets towards the end of the cooking process to make this a cheesy broccoli and potato soup combo.
- Loaded Potato Soup with Sausage: Instead of bacon, use cooked sausage (either Italian sausage or a breakfast sausage) for a different take on the “loaded” concept.
Final Words
Loaded potato soup is one of those classic comfort foods that will never go out of style. It’s simple, hearty, and versatile enough to be tweaked to fit any flavor profile or dietary need. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the main event, it’s always sure to please.