Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

This loaded potato soup recipe is hands down my all-time favorite. I know that’s a bold claim, but it’s the truth.

Inspired by Newk’s loaded potato soup, it features creamy potatoes, plenty of cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and chives. What’s not to love?

For more comforting recipes, check out Trahana and Okra Stew.

What Is Loaded Potato Soup Made Of?

Loaded potato soup is made of these ingredients:

• Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and a rich mouthfeel.
• Onion & Garlic: Provides a deep, savory base.
• Butter & Flour: Forms a roux to thicken the soup and give it a silky texture.
• Chicken Broth & Milk: Ensures the soup is creamy and flavorful.
• Potatoes: The main ingredient, providing body to the soup.
• Seasoning: A mix of smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and helps thicken the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a flavorful punch.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, vibrant note to each bowl.

What Kind of Potatoes Are Best for Loaded Potato Soup?

For loaded potato soup, the best potatoes to use are Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal because they are starchy and break down easily, giving the soup a thick, creamy texture.

Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great choice as they have a buttery flavor and smooth texture that blend well into the soup, creating a rich and velvety consistency.

Both types of potatoes work well to make a delicious, hearty loaded potato soup.

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup?

To make loaded potato soup, start by cooking bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep the bacon grease in the pot.

Next, add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Melt butter in the pot and stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add diced potatoes and cook until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Season the soup with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer portions of the soup to a blender and blend carefully.

Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon pieces and chopped green onions. Enjoy your creamy potato soup!

Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Soup

• Partially freeze bacon for easier chopping by placing it in the freezer about an hour before preparing the soup.
• Add bacon and sour cream at the end of the cooking process to keep the bacon crispy and prevent the sour cream from curdling.
• Garnish the soup with:
  • Chopped crispy bacon
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Chopped chives

What to Serve with Loaded Potato Soup

When serving loaded potato soup, consider pairing it with crusty bread or rolls for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness.

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup, while garlic bread adds a flavorful, crunchy complement.

Roasted vegetables provide a healthy and tasty side, and a grilled cheese sandwich offers a satisfying, cheesy crunch.

Pickles can introduce a tangy contrast to the soup, and a fruit salad serves as a refreshing and sweet complement to the savory dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good thickener for potato soup?

• A roux made from butter and flour is a good thickener for potato soup.

What potato holds up best in soup?

• Yukon Gold potatoes hold up best in soup.

Why isn’t my potato soup creamy?

• Your potato soup might not be creamy due to insufficient blending or lack of enough fat like cream or butter.

What is the secret ingredient in soup?

• A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance flavors as a secret ingredient in soup.

Should I soak potatoes before putting them in soup?

• No, soaking is not necessary and can remove some of the starch needed for thickening.

How do you keep potatoes from getting mushy in potato soup?

• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds and avoid overcooking them.

Should I peel potatoes for potato soup?

• Yes, peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but leaving the skins on can add texture and nutrients.

What happens if you don’t soak potatoes?

• If you don’t soak potatoes, they will retain more of their starch, which can help thicken the soup.

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Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

This creamy loaded potato soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for chilly days. It's packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and topped with sour cream and green onions for a delightful finish.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon chopped
• 1 large onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 4 large Russet potatoes peeled and diced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

• Cook the Bacon:
• In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
• Sauté Onion and Garlic:
• Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Make the Roux:
• Add butter to the pot and let it melt. Stir in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
• Add Liquid:
• Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Add Potatoes:
• Add diced potatoes to the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Season the Soup:
• Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
• Blend the Soup (Optional):
• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer portions of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids!
• Add Sour Cream and Cheese:
• Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
• Serve:
• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon pieces and chopped green onions.