Save to Pinterest The kitchen was tiny in that first apartment, barely enough room to turn around with a soup pot, but I made Loaded Potato Soup anyway. My roommate kept wandering in, drawn by the smell of bacon and onions, asking if it was ready yet. We ended up eating straight from the pot, standing around the stove, while it snowed outside the window. Sometimes the simplest meals become the best memories.
Last winter, my sister came over after a terrible day at work and I put a pot of this on without even asking what she wanted. She took one sip, sat down at the counter, and didnt say a word for ten minutes, just ate. Then she looked up and said, 'I forgot food could fix things.' This is that kind of soup.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes: These starchier potatoes break down beautifully and create that silky base you want in a creamy soup
- 1 medium onion: Yellow onions work perfectly here, sautéing until sweet and translucent adds depth without overpowering
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh minced garlic matters so much more than jarred, that fragrant hit makes the house smell incredible
- 2 green onions: Both the white and green parts add brightness and color as a finishing garnish
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Low sodium broth gives you control over the final seasoning, and vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian
- 1 cup whole or 2 percent milk: Whole milk creates the richest result but two percent still delivers plenty of creaminess
- 1/2 cup sour cream: This is the secret ingredient that adds tang and makes the texture feel luxurious
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives you the most flavor impact, and freshly grated melts infinitely better
- 6 slices bacon: Cook until extra crispy because that crunch is essential against the smooth soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A gentle cooking base that wont overpower the delicate potato flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt: Start here and adjust, potatoes need a fair amount of salt to really shine
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference in the warming background notes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Smoked paprika adds subtle depth while regular provides a gentle warmth
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent and smells sweet, then stir in minced garlic for just 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown
- Simmer the potatoes:
- Add diced potatoes to the pot, pour in the broth, and bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until a fork slides easily through the potatoes
- Choose your texture:
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree until completely smooth, or blend just half the soup for a perfect chunky creamy combination that gives you something to chew
- Create the creamy base:
- Stir in the milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika over low heat, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes silky and uniform
- Season and taste:
- Taste the soup and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed, keeping in mind the bacon garnish will add saltiness too
- Garnish generously:
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, and any other toppings that sound good to you
Save to Pinterest My neighbor texted me once asking what I was making because the smell had drifted through our shared wall. Ten minutes later she was at my door with two bowls, and we ended up sitting on the floor eating soup and talking until midnight. Food connects people like that sometimes.
Making It Your Own
Once you have the basic technique down, this soup becomes a canvas for whatever youre craving or have on hand. Ive added diced carrots and celery when I wanted more vegetables, and swapped half the milk for heavy cream when I was feeling particularly indulgent. The base is forgiving and adaptable.
Perfect Toppings
The toppings are where this soup transforms from dinner into an experience. I always set out little bowls of extras and let everyone build their own perfect bowl. Crumbled bacon is nonnegotiable in my house, but shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and even diced jalapeños have become regular rotations.
Make Ahead Magic
This soup actually tastes better the next day, which makes it perfect for meal prep or weekend cooking. The flavors meld and deepen overnight in the refrigerator. When reheating, go low and slow, and you might need to splash in a little extra milk to loosen it back up.
- Freeze portions in freezer safe bags for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Leave toppings off until serving so bacon stays crispy and cheese stays fresh
- Reheat gently over medium low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking
Save to Pinterest Theres something about a steaming bowl of this soup that makes everything feel a little more manageable. Maybe its the nostalgia or maybe its just that cheese and bacon make everything better. Either way, Im glad youre here.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicier flavor, you can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when simmering the soup, or as a garnish before serving.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be prepared ahead of time and stores well. It also freezes effectively. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before enjoying.
- → What are some ways to enhance the creaminess?
To achieve an even richer and creamier texture, you can substitute part or all of the milk with heavy cream during the final cooking step.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. Ensure you also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- → What potatoes are best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their starchy nature, which helps create a thick, creamy consistency when blended. Other starchy potatoes like Yukon Golds also work well.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! For added nutrition and flavor, you can incorporate 1 cup of diced carrots or celery along with the potatoes during the simmering stage.