Creamy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever had a craving for something rich, comforting, and downright satisfying, then creamy loaded potato soup is your perfect match. Imagine a bowl of velvety, thick soup, packed with chunks of tender potatoes, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and a hint of green onions, all coming together in a way that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re just in need of something hearty, this soup is the ideal comfort food.

What makes this creamy loaded potato soup so irresistible? It’s not just the creamy texture or the bold flavors-it’s the combination of simple, everyday ingredients that work so well together. It’s like magic in a bowl. Plus, it’s super easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Creamy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s the recipe to make this comforting masterpiece. It’s a blend of rich creaminess, savory toppings, and wholesome potatoes. If you’re looking for a filling, hearty soup that will have everyone at the table going back for seconds (or thirds), this is the one.

Ingredients Needed

• 6 large Russet potatoes – The star of the show. Russets are starchy and absorb flavors beautifully, making them perfect for soup.
• 4 strips of bacon – Because bacon makes everything better! Crispy bacon adds texture and a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped – The onions will bring a savory sweetness to the soup that’s balanced by the saltiness of the bacon.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic will bring an aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors.
• 4 cups chicken broth – The liquid base that ties everything together. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• 2 cups heavy cream – The secret to that ultra-creamy texture.
• 1 cup milk – Helps to thin the cream and balance the richness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To season the soup and bring out all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a little kick of spice.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The melty cheese brings that gooey, delicious richness to the soup.
• ½ cup sour cream – Tangy and creamy, sour cream adds an extra level of smoothness and flavor.
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped – For a fresh, crisp finish to each bowl.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish, adds a touch of color and fresh flavor.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Potatoes

   Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Russet potatoes work best here because of their starchy texture. This starch will help thicken the soup later, giving it that signature creaminess.

2. Cook The Bacon

   In a large soup pot, cook your bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pot-it’ll add incredible flavor to the soup. Once the bacon is cool, crumble it into small pieces.

3. Sauté The Aromatics

   In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds the base flavor of the soup and gives your kitchen that wonderful savory aroma.

4. Simmer The Potatoes

   Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

5. Mash The Potatoes

   Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or a fork to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. Don’t mash everything, though-you want to keep some chunks for texture.

6. Add Cream And Milk

   Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to combine everything. You’ll notice the soup start to thicken and become luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Add Toppings

   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a gooey, cheesy base. Then, add in the sour cream and most of the crumbled bacon, saving some bacon for garnish. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and thick.

8. Garnish And Serve

   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining crumbled bacon, green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can also top with more shredded cheese.

Ingredient Insights

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they’re high in starch, which helps thicken the soup. They also have a fluffy interior when cooked, which gives the soup that smooth texture you want.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a crispy, salty element that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the soup. The rendered bacon fat is packed with flavor, so don’t skip this step. It gives the soup a depth you can’t get from just using butter or oil.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: The heavy cream is the key to that velvety, indulgent texture. The milk helps balance it out, preventing the soup from becoming too rich. Together, they make the soup silky smooth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal because it provides a tangy flavor that stands up against the richness of the cream and bacon. You can experiment with different cheeses, but sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
• Green Onions: These bring freshness and a slight bite that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the soup. They also add a pop of color, making the soup look as good as it tastes.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: While you want them tender, be careful not to overcook them so they turn into mush. You’re aiming for a mix of mashed potatoes and tender chunks.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a bit more milk or chicken broth to loosen it up. For a thicker soup, cook it a little longer so it reduces and thickens naturally.
• Make It Ahead: This soup actually gets better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and just reheat it on the stove.
• Add Extra Toppings: Customize your soup with toppings like extra cheese, crispy fried onions, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier twist.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still get a great depth of flavor by adding extra garlic and onions.
• Spicy Loaded Potato Soup: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You could also top the soup with jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
• Loaded with Veggies: Add extra veggies like corn, carrots, or celery for a heartier, more colorful version of the soup.
• Vegan Version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese and bacon alternatives for a plant-based twist.

Final Words

This creamy loaded potato soup is a dream come true for anyone who loves rich, hearty meals. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy base creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to fit your preferences, so you can easily adjust it for a vegetarian, vegan, or spicier version.