Description
This creamy Loaded Potato Soup is a comforting American classic made with tender russet potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a velvety base of milk, cream, and butter. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners, it’s hearty, flavorful, and customizable for any diet.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Optional Toppings:
Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Crispy bacon crumbles
Dollop of sour cream
Chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve 1 tablespoon of the fat.
Add butter to the pot with the bacon fat, then sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Stir in the flour to create a roux, whisking constantly until smooth.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add diced potatoes and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until tender.
Pour in milk and heavy cream. Partially mash the potatoes or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then add sour cream. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, topped with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or add a spoonful of instant mashed potatoes.
Yukon Gold potatoes can replace russets for a slightly buttery flavor.
For a lighter version, use 2% milk and Greek yogurt instead of cream and sour cream.
This soup reheats best on low heat to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1½ cups)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg