Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

Nothing beats a bowl of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Loaded Potato Soup on a cold day! This classic comfort food combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese into a rich and velvety broth, making it the perfect dish for cozy nights, family dinners, and even meal prep. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread, this soup never disappoints.

Potato soup has been a staple across many cultures, evolving from simple potato-based broths to indulgent, restaurant-worthy dishes. The secret to achieving the perfect texture lies in choosing the right potatoes, blending techniques, and incorporating rich dairy ingredients like heavy cream, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. If you’re wondering about the best cheese for melting, check out this comprehensive guide to explore different cheese varieties.

This recipe is easily adaptable—whether you prefer classic bacon-loaded potato soup, a vegetarian twist, or even a spicy version. If you’re a fan of creamy soups, you might also love exploring more comforting soup recipes to add to your collection. Now, let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this soup so irresistibly good!

 Key Ingredients and Their Role

A perfect bowl of loaded potato soup starts with high-quality ingredients that add flavor, texture, and richness. Let’s break down the essential components and their roles in creating the creamiest, most delicious soup.

Potatoes: The Star of the Dish

The type of potatoes you use can make or break your soup. Russet potatoes are the best choice because of their high starch content, which helps create a thick and creamy consistency. If you prefer a slightly buttery texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don’t break down as easily and can leave the soup too chunky.

For a deeper dive into the different types of potatoes and their culinary uses, check out this guide.

 Aromatic Base: Onion, Garlic, Carrots, and Celery

A good aromatic base is essential for a flavorful soup. The combination of onion, garlic, carrots, and celery creates a rich foundation that enhances the overall taste.

• Onions: Add a mild sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Brings a subtle but savory kick.
• Carrots & Celery: Provide a slight sweetness and texture variation.

These ingredients are commonly used in homemade soups and stews to build layers of flavor. If you’re interested in learning more about traditional soup-making techniques, explore the history of soups and their evolution over time.2.3 Broth: Chicken vs. Vegetable

The broth serves as the base liquid for the soup, enhancing both flavor and consistency.

• Chicken broth: Provides a rich, savory taste that complements the potatoes.
• Vegetable broth: A great alternative for a vegetarian version without sacrificing depth of flavor.

If you prefer making your own broth at home, check out this guide on preparing homemade vegetable broth for a more natural and customizable option.

Dairy Ingredients: Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, and Cheese

The secret to making loaded potato soup extra rich and creamy lies in using the right dairy products. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.

• Heavy Cream or Whole Milk – Adds a luxurious, velvety smoothness to the soup. If you prefer a lighter option, whole milk works well, though it won’t be as thick.
• Sour Cream – Brings a slight tanginess that enhances the depth of flavor and balances the richness. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for a healthier alternative.
• Cheddar Cheese – The key ingredient that gives this soup its cheesy goodness! Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a bold flavor, while mild cheddar creates a more subtle taste. For more on the best cheeses for melting, check out this detailed guide.

💡 Dairy-Free Alternatives: If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, use coconut milk or cashew cream as a substitute for heavy cream, and try plant-based cheese for a similar creamy effect.

The Savory Toppings: Bacon & Green Onions

Toppings take loaded potato soup to the next level, adding crunch, color, and extra flavor.

• Bacon (or Turkey Bacon) – Traditional loaded potato soup includes crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky, salty finish. For a lighter option, turkey bacon works just as well.
• Green Onions (Scallions) – Add a fresh, slightly sharp bite that balances the richness of the soup.

Other great toppings include crispy fried onions, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and even croutons for added texture. Looking for more creative topping ideas? Browse through this collection of loaded soup variations for inspiration

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making the creamiest loaded potato soup. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all your ingredients:

✔ Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes for even cooking.
✔ Dice the onion, carrots, and celery for the aromatic base.
✔ Mince the garlic to release its full flavor.
✔ Shred the cheddar cheese for easy melting (pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting).
✔ Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time for topping.

Proper preparation ensures smooth cooking and helps the flavors blend seamlessly. If you enjoy making soups from scratch, check out this guide on traditional soup-making techniques.

Step 2: Cooking the Aromatic Base

1️⃣ Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add a drizzle of olive oil or butter, then sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
3️⃣ Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

This step builds depth of flavor, creating a strong foundation for the soup. The combination of onions, carrots, and celery is often called mirepoix and is commonly used in classic soup recipes—learn more about its origins here.

Step 3: Simmering the Soup

1️⃣ Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the diced potatoes.
2️⃣ Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the natural flavors.
3️⃣ Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

If you’re looking for homemade broth options, check out this guide on making your own vegetable broth from scratch.

Step 4: Blending for the Perfect Texture

Once the potatoes are soft, it’s time to achieve that creamy, velvety consistency. You can adjust the texture based on your preference:

✔ For a Chunky Soup: Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes while leaving others whole.
✔ For a Smooth Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.

💡 Avoid Over-Blending: Blending too much can make the soup gummy due to the starch in the potatoes. Keep some chunks for the best texture!

Step 5: Adding Dairy & Cheese

1️⃣ Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream or whole milk for a rich, smooth consistency.
2️⃣ Add the sour cream for a slight tangy contrast that enhances the overall flavor.
3️⃣ Slowly mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely.

Want to experiment with different cheese varieties? Check out this guide to find the best melting cheeses for soups.

Step 6: Final Touches & Serving

Now for the best part—toppings!

✔ Crispy bacon crumbles for smokiness.
✔ Green onions for a fresh, slightly spicy bite.
✔ Extra shredded cheese for more cheesy goodness.
✔ Croutons for a crunchy contrast.

Serve the soup hot, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For more cozy soup ideas, explore this collection of meal prep soups.

 Pro Tips for the Creamiest Loaded Potato Soup

✔ Use high-starch potatoes like Russet for a naturally thick and creamy consistency.
✔ Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✔ Season gradually—taste as you go and adjust seasoning as needed.
✔ Don’t let the soup boil after adding dairy—this prevents curdling.
✔ Make it thicker by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).

Want more comfort food inspiration? Browse these cheesy comfort food ideas for more indulgent recipes!

Variations & Dietary Modifications

Looking to customize your potato soup? Here are some delicious variations:

✔ Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit bacon. Try smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.
✔ Vegan Version – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy, and opt for plant-based cheese and vegan bacon.
✔ Gluten-Free Adjustments – Ensure your broth is gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
✔ Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

For more healthy soup alternatives, check out this collection of healthy soup variations.

How to Store & Reheat Potato Soup

✔ Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
✔ Freezing: Avoid freezing if using dairy, as it may separate. For a freezer-friendly version, omit dairy and add it after reheating.
✔ Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk.

💡 For meal prep ideas, check out these make-ahead soup recipes.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Loaded potato soup is great for meal prep. Store it in the fridge and reheat on low heat, adding extra broth if needed.

Why is my potato soup too thick or too thin?

✔ If it’s too thick, add more broth or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
✔ If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

How can I make this soup extra cheesy?

Use sharp cheddar cheese and mix in a little Parmesan or Gouda for more depth of flavor. Never use pre-shredded cheese—it won’t melt as smoothly!

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

✔ Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients except dairy and cheese, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in dairy before serving.
✔ Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, release pressure, then stir in cheese and cream.

What are the best side dishes to serve with potato soup?

✔ Crusty bread for dipping.
✔ Side salad for a fresh contrast.
✔ Grilled cheese sandwich for an ultra-cozy meal.

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