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Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.4 from 21 reviews

This Loaded Potato Soup is a creamy and comforting dish made with tender russet potatoes, savory bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of green onions for garnish. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines rich flavors and a smooth, hearty texture that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup crispy bacon bits (plus extra for topping)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash, peel, and dice the russet potatoes into small cubes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Mash Potatoes: Use a potato masher or fork to mash some of the potatoes in the pot while leaving some chunks intact for texture. Stir in the heavy cream to combine and add creaminess.
  5. Add Cheese and Season: Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions for added flavor and crunch. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon bits or replace with a vegetarian bacon alternative.
  • You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup.
  • To make the soup thicker, mash more potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
  • Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can enhance the smoky flavor.
  • Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.