Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, hearty, and savory flavors into a single bowl of goodness.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or simply looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a classic recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable, packed with wholesome ingredients that come together in no time.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- A Homestyle Classic: Perfectly tender potatoes form the base, while ham and bacon add a savory richness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a warm bowl of potato soup, especially when it’s loaded with cheese and bacon.
- Simple & Affordable: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Quick to Make: With easy prep and straightforward steps, it’s ready in under an hour.
- Customizable: Make it your own by adding your favorite toppings or swapping ingredients.
Who This Recipe is For
- Families: A warm, filling dinner that everyone will enjoy, even picky eaters!
- Beginner Cooks: Easy-to-follow steps make it accessible for anyone.
- Meal Preppers: Leftovers store beautifully for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
- Comfort Food Lovers: If you love creamy, hearty meals, this is for you.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Loaded Potato Soup is versatile and fits any setting:
- Weeknight Dinners: Quick to whip up after a busy day.
- Game Day: Serve it in a bread bowl or alongside finger foods for a comforting treat.
- Holidays: A cozy addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu.
- Potluck or Party: It’s a guaranteed hit with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry and fridge already.
- Customizable: Add or swap ingredients to fit your taste—make it as cheesy or as meaty as you like!
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes a big batch, perfect for families or meal prepping.
- Pure Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
How to Make Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs potatoes (peeled, cubed, and boiled until fork-tender)
- Water (to boil the potatoes)
- Milk (enough to cover the potatoes after draining)
- ½–1 cup sour cream
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
- 1 lb bacon, crumbled
- 1 lb ham, cubed
- Nature’s Seasonings (to taste)
- Instant potatoes (optional, to thicken)
Instructions:
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Peel, cube, and boil the potatoes in a large pot until they are fork-tender (about 10–15 minutes).
- Drain half of the water from the pot, leaving the rest for a base.
- Build the Creamy Base:
- Pour enough milk into the pot to just cover the potatoes.
- Add the sour cream, butter, and cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is melted and well combined.
- Add the Meaty Goodness:
- Stir in the bacon crumbles and cubed ham. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Season & Thicken:
- Season generously with Nature’s Seasonings (or salt, pepper, and garlic powder if substituting).
- For a thicker consistency, add a small amount of instant potato flakes and stir until desired thickness is achieved.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with your favorite bread, rolls, or biscuits.
How to Serve Loaded Potato Soup
- Garnishes:
- Top with extra shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- With Sides:
- Pair with crusty bread, buttery rolls, or flaky biscuits for dipping.
- For a Feast:
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Loaded Potato Soup
- Refrigerate:
- Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze:
- Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
Tips to Make the Best Loaded Potato Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes:
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their starchy, creamy texture.
- Cook the Potatoes Evenly:
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:
- Cook them just until fork-tender to avoid a mushy texture.
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients:
- Full-fat milk, butter, and sour cream add richness and creaminess.
- Crisp the Bacon:
- Cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling to add a nice texture contrast.
- Season Gradually:
- Add seasonings in layers and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Add the Cheese Slowly:
- Stir the cheese in gradually to prevent clumping or curdling.
- Adjust Thickness:
- Use instant potato flakes sparingly; too much can make the soup overly thick.
- Make It Ahead:
- Potato soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Garnish for Freshness:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions brighten up the rich flavors.
Variations of Loaded Potato Soup
- Vegetarian:
- Skip the bacon and ham, and add sautéed mushrooms, leeks, or spinach.
- Spicy Kick:
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Cheeseburger Style:
- Replace ham with cooked ground beef and stir in a bit of mustard and ketchup.
- Southwest Flair:
- Add corn, black beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- Seafood Twist:
- Stir in cooked shrimp or crab for a decadent upgrade.
- Loaded Broccoli Soup:
- Add steamed broccoli florets for a veggie-packed version.
- Beer Cheese Style:
- Replace some of the milk with your favorite beer and use sharp cheddar.
- Garlic Lovers:
- Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for a bold, savory twist.
- Creamier Base:
- Blend half of the soup for an extra smooth texture while keeping some chunks.
- Herb-Infused:
- Add thyme, rosemary, or dill for a more aromatic and elevated flavor.
FAQs About Loaded Potato Soup
- Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
- Yes, mix them into the soup for extra creaminess.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adding milk and sour cream toward the end.
- What if I don’t have Nature’s Seasonings?
- Substitute with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
- Yes, swap the milk and sour cream for dairy-free versions.
- What’s the best way to reheat it?
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.
- Can I add vegetables?
- Definitely! Carrots, celery, or corn make great additions.
- Can I make it thicker without instant potatoes?
- Use a cornstarch slurry or mash some of the potatoes with a fork.
- What type of cheese works best?
- Mild cheddar is classic, but sharp cheddar or Colby Jack also work well.
- How can I make it less rich?
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the butter amount.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes, just ensure the instant potato flakes and seasonings are gluten-free.
- Can I skip the bacon?
- Yes, but you might miss the smoky flavor. Consider adding smoked paprika as a substitute.
- What’s the ideal soup-to-topping ratio?
- A hearty soup base with just enough toppings for extra flavor and texture.
- Can I blend the soup?
- Yes, use an immersion blender to make it creamy or leave it chunky for texture.
- Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
- Yes, just crumble and heat it before adding to the soup.
- Is it freezer-friendly?
- Yes, but the texture of the potatoes may slightly change upon reheating.
- What’s the best side dish?
- Breadsticks, cornbread, or a simple side salad pair wonderfully.
- Can I use sweet potatoes?
- Yes, they’ll give the soup a slightly sweet and unique flavor.
- How can I make it lighter?
- Use turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and light sour cream.
- Can I add a smoky flavor?
- Stir in a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
- What’s the serving size?
- This recipe serves about 6–8 hearty portions, depending on appetite.