When the weather turns chilly and you're craving a hearty, soul-warming dish, Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with the richness of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and creamy potatoes, this soup brings together all the flavors you love in a loaded baked potato—but in a spoonable, satisfying form. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential:
- 8 slices bacon, chopped: Provides smoky, crispy goodness and a base of flavorful rendered fat.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Balances the richness while creating a creamy roux.
- 4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: The star of the dish, these potatoes break down beautifully to create a thick, hearty texture.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the dish with aromatic notes.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup, ensuring a velvety consistency.
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid base that ties everything together.
- 2 ½ cups whole milk or 2% milk: Adds creaminess without overwhelming heaviness.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar: Delivers bold, tangy cheese flavor.
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar: Balances the sharpness with a milder creaminess.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and a luxurious finish.
- ¼ cup chopped chives: Provides a fresh, oniony kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors.
Instructions
-
Cook the Bacon:
In a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add butter to the bacon fat until you have about 2 tablespoons of fat in total. Once melted, sauté the cubed potatoes and chopped onion for about 5 minutes or until the onions are softened. Add the minced garlic and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute while stirring constantly. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon and set aside. -
Make the Roux:
Add enough butter to the pot to make 4 tablespoons of fat in total. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic. -
Build the Base:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk in alternating intervals, ensuring a smooth consistency. -
Simmer and Cook:
Return the cooked potatoes, onions, and garlic to the pot. Simmer over medium heat until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. -
Add the Cheeses:
Lower the heat and whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar and white cheddar until fully melted and incorporated. -
Final Touches:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the bacon, sour cream, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Soup
- Prep Bacon Like a Pro: Bacon is easier to chop when partially frozen—pop it in the freezer for about an hour before cooking.
- Creamy, Not Curdled: Add sour cream only at the end to prevent curdling.
- Consistency Check: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot. Prefer a thinner consistency? Add a splash of extra broth or milk.
- Cheese Melt Perfection: Always lower the heat when adding cheese to avoid a grainy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Take your soup to the next level with these irresistible toppings:
- Extra crispy bacon bits for crunch.
- A dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
- Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese for more cheesy goodness.
- Freshly chopped chives or green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Pair it with warm, crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of the velvety soup.
Why This Recipe is Loved
This Loaded Potato Soup strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. With its rich and creamy texture, smoky bacon, and layers of cheesy flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The customizable toppings make it a crowd-pleaser for everyone, whether served as a main dish or a starter.
Conclusion
Ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort? This Loaded Potato Soup recipe is your ticket to creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned bliss. Whether it’s a family dinner or a comforting solo meal, this soup delivers on flavor and heartiness every time. Follow this foolproof recipe, and you'll have a dish so irresistible, it’ll become a household classic. Try it today and taste why this recipe is a must-have in your rotation!