The Best Creamy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Imagine a bowl of pure comfort, warm and inviting. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible loaded potato soup recipe. It’s packed with rich flavors and boasts a wonderfully creamy texture, making it an instant classic for any meal. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an ultimate comfort food experience that will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for busy parents and beginners alike looking for easy weeknight meal solutions.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup

You will absolutely adore this hearty loaded potato soup recipe for countless reasons, making it an instant favorite in your weeknight meal rotation or for cozy weekend gatherings.

• Rich, incredibly creamy, and deeply satisfying, providing true comfort in every spoonful.
• Generously loaded with savory bacon pieces and delicious shredded cheese.
• The perfect comforting dish for chilly evenings or a relaxed afternoon meal.
• Despite its gourmet taste, this creamy soup is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
• Easily customize it with your favorite toppings for a uniquely personal serving.
• This crowd-pleasing recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone in your family.

Ingredients

To create this comforting loaded potato soup recipe, you’ll need a few fresh, simple ingredients.

• 6 strips (uncooked) bacon (cut into small pieces)
• 3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted will work)
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g))
• 3 large garlic cloves (minced)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour ((42g))
• 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes (peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (this was about 6 Large potatoes for me/1.15kg))
• 4 cups chicken broth ((945ml))
• 2 cups milk ((475ml))
• ⅔ cup heavy cream ((155ml))
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder (optional)
• ⅔ cup sour cream ((160g))
• Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

• Bacon: Turkey bacon works as a leaner alternative if preferred.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold varieties are great options for texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are a top choice for soups because of their balanced starch content, buttery flavor, and ability to hold their shape, as detailed in this culinary guide on Yukon Gold potatoes for soup.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.
• Dairy: Low-fat milk or half-and-half can reduce richness effectively.
• Spices: Adjust ancho chili powder to your preference, or omit it.
• Toppings: Try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby blend.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this delicious loaded potato soup. This amazing potato soup comes together with basic kitchen tools you likely already own, making preparation simple and enjoyable.

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk (optional)
• Blender or immersion blender
• Serving ladle

Instructions

Making this delicious loaded potato soup recipe is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy, and comforting result every time.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 8-10

1. Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch Oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp and beautifully browned, setting aside a little for topping.
2. Remove the cooked bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
3. Add butter and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until onions are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Sprinkle flour over the ingredients and stir until it forms a smooth paste (a whisk helps prevent lumps).
6. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 10-15 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to a simmer. Remove approximately half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender for convenience.
9. Return the pureed soup to the pot. This creates the perfect creamy texture for our amazing loaded potato soup.
10. Stir in the sour cream and the reserved cooked bacon pieces. Mix well until fully combined.
11. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15 minutes to let the rich flavors meld together beautifully.
12. Serve your creamy loaded potato soup hot. Top with additional sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, or chives. Enjoy this delightful potato soup masterpiece!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Master your homemade loaded potato soup recipe with these expert tips and easy troubleshooting solutions.

• Perfect Potatoes: Cook until fork-tender, avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
• Smooth Soup: Blend hot soup in batches, filling blender only halfway, for safety.
• Creamy Texture: Stir sour cream in at the end; avoid boiling after adding to prevent curdling.
• Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for best flavor.
• Thickness: Add more broth gradually for a thinner soup, if preferred.
• No Immersion Blender: Use a potato masher for a delicious, slightly chunkier soup.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Enjoying your homemade loaded potato soup is simple, and leftovers keep well. Explore these delicious variations too!

• Serving Suggestions: Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread, a fresh side salad, or a simple sandwich.
• Storage: Refrigerate cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and plant-based bacon for a meat-free option.
• Cheesy Variation: Stir extra shredded cheese into the pot before serving.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this comforting loaded potato soup recipe. Please remember these values can vary based on specific ingredients, exact portion sizes, and optional toppings you choose to add. For precise dietary information, consider calculating with your exact ingredients and brands.

FAQ

Have questions about making this creamy loaded potato soup recipe? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your ultimate comfort food!

• Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. Flavors deepen overnight.
• How long does it last? Stored in an airtight container, it refrigerates well for 3-4 days.
• Can I use different potatoes? Yes, russets or red potatoes work, but Gold potatoes offer the creamiest texture.
• Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months, best before adding sour cream or cheese.
• How to thicken soup? Use a cornstarch slurry or puree more of the soup.
• Can I omit ancho chili powder? Yes, it’s optional for flavor.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup, and this loaded potato soup recipe truly delivers on comfort and taste. It’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with incredible flavor, perfect for any evening. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Don’t wait to bring this ultimate comfort food to your table tonight – your family will thank you!

Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

This hearty, creamy loaded potato soup is packed with bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream — the ultimate comfort food perfect for cozy nights or easy weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 strips uncooked bacon, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g)
• 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 6 large)
• 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
• 2 cups milk (475ml)
• ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼–½ teaspoon ancho chili powder (optional)
• ⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
• shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional)

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Whisk Optional for flour step
• Blender (or Immersion Blender)
• serving ladle

Method

 

1. Cook chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the fat in the pot.
2. Add butter and chopped onion to the pot. Cook for 3–5 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a smooth paste. Use a whisk if needed to avoid lumps.
4. Add potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and optional chili powder. Stir and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Blend half of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a creamy texture.
7. Return blended soup to pot. Stir in sour cream and reserved bacon. Mix well.
8. Simmer for another 15 minutes on low heat to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve hot. Garnish with extra sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon, and chives.

Notes

Swap in turkey bacon or veggie broth for dietary needs. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for best results. Adjust spices to taste, and feel free to add cayenne or hot sauce for extra kick.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.