Loaded Potato Soup

Discover the creamy, comforting flavors of Loaded Potato Soup, the perfect bowl of warmth for cozy nights when you crave something hearty yet simple. This dish combines tender potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions to create a rich, satisfying experience that’s easy to prepare and impossible not to love. Whether you’re settling in on a chilly evening or looking for an all-time favorite comfort food, Loaded Potato Soup brings homemade goodness straight to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Loaded Potato Soup offers a creamy, velvety texture that feels like a warm hug on cold days.
• Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples like potatoes, cheese, and bacon, it’s easy to make without complicated preparation.
• Quick to Prepare: You can have this comforting soup ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with toppings or dietary changes to suit your family’s tastes.
• Makes Great Leftovers: This soup flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part in creating the ideal balance of flavor and texture in your Loaded Potato Soup, making the dish irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and visually appealing.

• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes provide the perfect fluffy base for a thick and hearty soup.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy depth that melts perfectly into the creamy broth.
• Crispy Bacon: Brings a smoky crunch and savory punch to every bite.
• Green Onions: Freshness and a mild bite that balance the richness of the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation that keeps the soup light yet hearty.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Adds luxurious creaminess for silky smoothness.
• Butter and Onion: Sautéed to deepen the flavor and add sweet undertones.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out the taste perfectly.

Variations for Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded Potato Soup is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to experiment with these variations to make the recipe your own, whether for dietary needs or simply to try new flavors.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms for a savory alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Vegan Swap: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese, and replace bacon with coconut bacon or smoked tofu.
• Loaded with Veggies: Toss in corn kernels, diced carrots, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese or Parmesan for a richer, thicker texture.

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a perfect creamy texture once softened.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Bacon

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, then add diced onions and cook until translucent; add the bacon pieces and fry until crisp and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes in Broth

Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth; bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blend and Add Cream

Use a potato masher or immersion blender to gently mash some of the potatoes, creating a creamy base while still leaving chunks for texture, then stir in the heavy cream for richness.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Season

Remove from heat and gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with green onions, extra bacon bits, and more cheese if desired for that true loaded experience.

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Potato Soup

• Use Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content helps thicken the soup naturally.
• Don’t Overblend: Keep some potato chunks to maintain a hearty texture.
• Bacon Timing: Cook bacon separately or in the pot with onions for maximum flavor.
• Cheese Quality: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid clumps.
• Adjust Creaminess: Vary cream or broth amounts to reach your preferred soup thickness.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go to prevent over-salting, especially if the broth is salty.

How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup

Garnishes

Top with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream to add layers of flavor and a visually inviting finish.

Side Dishes

Pair with warm crusty bread, buttermilk biscuits, or a fresh garden salad for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch or in small cups as party-friendly appetizers to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Loaded Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

Loaded Potato Soup freezes well; cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess and texture.

Reheating

Warm the soup on low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, and add a splash of cream or broth if it’s too thick after chilling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for Loaded Potato Soup?

While russet potatoes are best for their starchiness and creaminess, Yukon gold potatoes also work well, offering a slightly buttery flavor and smoother texture.

Is Loaded Potato Soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and check your cheese and seasoning labels, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make Loaded Potato Soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the cream and cheese for dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond milk and vegan cheese to keep it creamy and delicious.

How thick should Loaded Potato Soup be?

The soup should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still smooth and pourable; adjust broth and cream quantities to achieve your favorite consistency.

What’s the best way to reheat loaded potato soup without it splitting?

Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring often and adding a bit of liquid as needed to prevent the cream from curdling or separating.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Potato Soup is truly the ultimate comfort dish, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every creamy, cheesy spoonful. Its simple ingredients come together in a beautiful harmony that’s easy to love and perfect to share. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a festive gathering, this soup deserves a spot on your cozy meal rotation—give it a try and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade comfort.

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