Best Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
This comforting, rich, and velvety potato soup is loaded with flavor, topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh green onions. It’s the ultimate cozy meal for any day of the year!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of creamy potato soup. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make with pantry staples. The combination of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon creates a flavor-packed experience in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
A Comfort Food Classic
Loaded potato soup is a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The creamy texture paired with savory toppings like bacon and cheese makes it irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is versatile and guaranteed to please.
Customizable for Every Palate
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Add extra veggies like carrots or celery for a nutrient boost, or swap out the cheese for your favorite variety. Prefer a vegetarian option? Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth—it’s just as delicious!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic.
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian (omit the bacon).
- Keep the bacon grease and sauté the onions in it for an added smoky depth.
Loaded Creamy Potato Soup
Ingredients
- For the soup:
- 6 medium Russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- For the toppings:
- 6 strips crispy bacon crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions finely sliced
- Sour cream optional
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes:Add the diced potatoes to a large pot. Cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Cook the base:In a separate large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Combine and blend:Stir the cooked potatoes and chicken broth into the milk mixture. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency (fully smooth or slightly chunky). Alternatively, carefully blend in batches in a blender.
- Season and add cheese:Stir in cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is heated through.
- Serve with toppings:Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Perfect Pairings
Pair this creamy potato soup with a side of crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for a complete meal. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables would also complement the soup’s rich flavors beautifully. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra cheese for the ultimate indulgence!
Let me know if you try any of the suggested pairings or variations—I’d love to hear how your version turns out. Hope you enjoy this comforting and delicious recipe!
