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