Introduction
Loaded Potato Soup is one of those recipes that instantly feels like home. It is warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying, especially on colder days when you want something comforting but still filling. I have made this soup many times, and it never fails to impress, whether served as a simple family dinner or as a starter for guests. What makes this recipe special is how it captures everything people love about a loaded baked potato and transforms it into a smooth, spoonable soup. You get the richness of potatoes, the savory depth of bacon, the creaminess of dairy, and the fresh contrast of green onions in every bite. I once tested this recipe using half milk and half cream, and the balance turned out wonderfully rich without being heavy. This soup is easy enough for a weeknight yet indulgent enough to feel special. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it is a recipe you will return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Loaded Potato Soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with familiar flavors. It is easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and perfect for meal prep or family dinners. The texture is creamy but still has satisfying chunks of potato, making it both comforting and filling.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because of their high starch content. They break down slightly as they cook, helping to naturally thicken the soup while still leaving soft chunks for texture.
Bacon
Bacon adds a deep, smoky flavor that defines loaded potato soup. Cooking it first also provides flavorful fat that becomes the base for sautéing the aromatics.
Butter
Butter enhances the richness of the soup and helps create a smooth roux when combined with flour. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
Onion
Onion provides a savory foundation and balances the richness of the dairy and bacon. When cooked slowly, it becomes soft and slightly sweet.
Garlic
Garlic adds warmth and aroma without overpowering the soup. It complements the potatoes and bacon beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour is used to thicken the soup. It ensures a creamy consistency without making the soup feel heavy.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds depth and savory flavor. It keeps the soup from tasting flat and balances the richness of the cream.
Milk
Milk contributes creaminess while keeping the soup lighter than using cream alone. I have tried this with whole milk, and it works best for texture.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream gives the soup its luxurious mouthfeel. Even a small amount makes a noticeable difference in richness.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese adds sharpness and saltiness. It melts into the soup and enhances the classic loaded potato flavor.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the soup and makes it taste just like a loaded baked potato.
Green Onions
Green onions provide freshness and a mild bite that brightens the finished soup.
Salt and Black Pepper
These seasonings bring all the flavors together and should be adjusted to taste.
Directions
Begin by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add butter to the pot, then sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, lightly mash some of them directly in the pot to thicken the soup while keeping some chunks intact. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, then add the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Cook gently until everything is melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Cooking time is around 40 minutes.
Total time is approximately 55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
Loaded Potato Soup is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with additional milk and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. I have tried this approach when cooking for guests who prefer less rich dishes, and the soup still tasted comforting and flavorful.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika can help replicate some of the smoky flavor usually provided by bacon. If you enjoy extra texture, consider leaving more potato chunks intact or adding a small handful of corn for subtle sweetness.
You can also experiment with cheeses. Sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a small amount of smoked gouda can add interesting depth. For heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or top the soup with sliced jalapeños. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added at the end for brightness. This soup adapts easily to what you have on hand, making it a reliable and flexible recipe.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Loaded Potato Soup is rich and satisfying, providing carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from bacon and dairy, and fats that contribute to fullness. It is naturally gluten-containing due to the flour but can be adapted using gluten-free alternatives. Portion control is recommended due to its richness.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Perfect Potato Texture
Mash only part of the potatoes to keep the soup thick yet chunky.
Balanced Richness
Using both milk and cream creates a creamy texture without being overly heavy.
Flavor Boost
Season gradually and taste often to maintain balance.
Make-Ahead Friendly
The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and reheats beautifully with a little added liquid.
Can I freeze loaded potato soup?
Freezing is not ideal due to the dairy, which may separate when thawed.
What potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy texture.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works but will have a milder flavor.
How do I thicken the soup more?
Mash additional potatoes or simmer uncovered slightly longer.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written, but gluten-free flour can be substituted.
Can I use all milk instead of cream?
Yes, though the soup will be slightly less rich.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Add cheese gradually over low heat while stirring.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli or corn work well in this soup.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Extra cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream are all excellent choices.
Conclusion
Loaded Potato Soup is a timeless comfort food that brings together simple ingredients in a deeply satisfying way. Creamy, hearty, and endlessly customizable, it is a recipe that belongs in every home cook’s collection. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated the next day, it delivers warmth and flavor in every bowl.
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