The velvety texture of this Classic Loaded Potato Soup is sure to warm your heart and soul on even the chilliest of days. Featuring creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, it’s a dish that exudes comfort and nostalgia in every spoonful.
This recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. Customize it with your favorite toppings—chives, sour cream, or extra cheese—for a personalized touch. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to lightly mash some of the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and cheddar cheese. Continue cooking on low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and additional cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
History and Origin of Loaded Potato Soup
Loaded Potato Soup is believed to have its roots in traditional European soups, where hearty ingredients like potatoes, cream, and bacon were staples in peasant cuisine. Potatoes, introduced to Europe in the 16th century, quickly became a versatile ingredient in hearty meals. Over time, the addition of cheese and bacon transformed the simple potato soup into a rich and indulgent dish enjoyed worldwide. Today, it’s a quintessential comfort food, especially popular in the United States during fall and winter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: The combination of tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and creamy broth makes this soup irresistibly rich and satisfying.
- Customizable Toppings: The toppings make it fun to serve. Think crispy bacon, green onions, sour cream, or even croutons for extra crunch.
- Easy and Quick: With a prep and cooking time of under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the soup while it’s simmering.
- Adding Protein: For an extra hearty meal, toss in cooked shredded chicken, ham, or sausage.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cheese Selection: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
- Pair it with a light side salad for a balanced meal.
- Top with extra green onions, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for a visually appealing presentation.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, note that the texture may change slightly due to the cream. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency if needed.
Fun Facts
- Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, making this dish not just delicious but also nourishing.
- This soup is often compared to a “baked potato in a bowl” because of its iconic toppings and flavors.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover baked potatoes or cooked bacon from previous meals.
Nutritional Benefits of Loaded Potato Soup
Loaded Potato Soup isn’t just a comfort food—it’s also packed with nutrients. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy, along with dietary fiber to support digestion. They are also rich in potassium, a key mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, and vitamin C, which supports the immune system. Adding ingredients like cheddar cheese and bacon provides calcium and protein, making this dish both hearty and nourishing. For a lighter version, you can reduce the cheese or use a lower-fat option, substitute cream with milk, and swap out bacon for turkey bacon.
How to Perfect Your Loaded Potato Soup
- Potato Choice Matters: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their high starch content, which helps create a creamy, velvety texture. However, Yukon Gold potatoes can be used for a slightly buttery flavor and firmer texture.
- Balancing Flavors: Adding a touch of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper enhances the smoky, savory notes. Freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of garlic powder can further elevate the dish.
- Layered Cooking Technique: Cooking the bacon first allows its fat to infuse flavor into the soup base when sautéing onions and garlic. This step is essential for building depth of flavor.
Ideal Occasions to Serve Loaded Potato Soup
This recipe shines as a main dish for cozy weeknight dinners, but it’s equally at home during larger gatherings:
- Game Day Comfort: Serve it in bread bowls for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Holiday Starter: Offer it as a first course during festive winter dinners to warm up your guests.
- Meal Prep Staple: Prepare a batch ahead of time for easy-to-reheat lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can disintegrate and turn the soup overly mushy.
- Skipping the Bacon: The crispy bacon garnish is not just decorative—it adds a crucial crunchy texture and smoky flavor.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Always shred the cheese yourself for the creamiest results, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Pairing Suggestions
For a complete meal, pair Loaded Potato Soup with:
- Bread Pairings: Serve with crusty sourdough bread, garlic bread, or cheddar biscuits to soak up every last bit of the soup.
- Salads: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Beverages: Pair with a crisp apple cider or a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy texture and smoky flavors.
Storage Hacks for Busy Cooks
- Prep in Advance: Dice and store your potatoes in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours to save time when cooking.
- Freeze Individual Portions: Use freezer-safe soup containers to portion out servings for quick grab-and-go meals. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
Fun Customization Ideas
- Loaded Bar Style: Serve the soup with a toppings bar featuring a variety of options like shredded cheese, crispy onions, chopped parsley, or hot sauce.
- International Twist: Add a dollop of sour cream mixed with chives and dill for a Scandinavian-inspired touch, or sprinkle with chili flakes and lime zest for a Tex-Mex variation.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with crispy fried mushrooms or caramelized onions to maintain a rich, savory profile.
Trivia About the Dish
- The concept of “loaded” potato dishes originated from classic baked potatoes topped with butter, cheese, and sour cream, often served in American diners. This soup transforms those beloved flavors into a warm, comforting bowl.
- National Potato Day is celebrated on August 19th, making it the perfect day to whip up this soup.
- The creamy texture of the soup is often compared to the nostalgic comfort of mashed potatoes but served in a spoonable form.
Conclusion
Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, richness, and satisfaction to your table. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon, and cheesy goodness, it’s a dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing starter for a family gathering.
What makes this soup even more special is its versatility—customize the toppings, adjust the consistency, or make it lighter to suit your preferences. Paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad, it’s a complete meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your household.
Warm, hearty, and satisfying, this Loaded Potato Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition in the making. Enjoy every spoonful!