This hearty and delicious loaded potato soup recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, anyone can make this comforting dish in no time. This soup is full of tender chunks of potatoes, sweet onions, crisp bacon, and chopped chives, all in a creamy, cheesy broth with a little sour cream.
The Best Loaded Potato Soup
Warm up on a chilly night with this delicious one-pot loaded potato soup recipe. It’s easy to make and packed with comforting flavors like bacon, cheese, and herbs. I love to serve this creamy soup with cheddar biscuits or buttermilk biscuits. It is a favorite in our house and a frequent request from my son. This is comfort food at its best.
We are a soup-loving family. I don’t need any excuse for having soup three times a week. If you like this recipe, try sweet potato soup, chicken potato soup, creamy ham and potato soup, and potato leek soup.
How to Make Loaded Potato Soup
Start by browning your chopped bacon in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the pan, using a slotted spoon reserving the grease. Add enough butter to the bacon grease to make a couple of tablespoons of fat. Melt the butter over medium heat. Next, add the potatoes and the onions to the pan, cooking for about 5 minutes or until the onions are soft. Now add the garlic and the cayenne pepper. Then cook for 1 additional minute, stirring constantly. Then, using a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes, onions, and garlic and place them in a bowl or plate.
Now melt enough butter to make about 4 tablespoons of fat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour in and whisk to combine. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the chicken broth and milk in several intervals, alternating between the two. Add the potatoes, onions, and garlic back to the pot and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender. Next, whisk in both shredded cheeses until melted. Finally, stir in the bacon, sour Cream, chives, and salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe Tips
- Bacon is much easier to chop when partially frozen, so toss it in the freezer about an hour before preparing the soup.
- The best potatoes for this soup are Russets. I always say don’t use Russet Potatoes in soup because they will start to break down. Well, there is an exception to every rule, and in this particular case, you want the potatoes to break down slightly into the soup, creating an ultra-creamy texture.
- Don’t add the bacon and sour cream until the end, as you want the bacon to stay crispy and the sour Cream not to curdle.
- Top with chopped crispy bacon, sour cream, green onions, finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped chives.
How do you thicken loaded potato soup?
There are several ways to thicken potato soup. You can combine several of these methods. But keep in mind the result for the type of soup you are making and the consistency you are trying to achieve. For instance, I use Russet Potatoes in this soup so that the potatoes break down a little, adding to the thickness of the soup. But in my Creamy Ham and Potato Soup, I use a roux with red potatoes so they do not break down as much. I want the potatoes to maintain their shape and the other ingredients in the recipe to shine through, like the ham, carrots, and celery.
- Use Russet Potatoes – If the dominant flavor is potatoes, then you may want to consider using these potatoes as they will break down some and help thicken the soup.
- Roux – An equal mixture of fat and flour is cooked over medium-low heat for several minutes. Then, it is whisked into the soup to thicken it. See here for more about making a roux.
- Slurry – A small amount of cornstarch or flour is combined with a small amount of broth or water and whisked into the soup.
- Heavy Cream: Add heavy whipping cream for a thicker, more luscious soup. Add it at the end so it does not curdle.
- Immersion Blender – This is a great kitchen gadget for those who love soup. You can use the blender right in the hot pot of soup and blend as much or as little as you want. A stand blender works, too, but remember to remove the center cap on the top to let heat escape.
Storage
Store leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power.
What Goes With Loaded Potato Soup?
- garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- homemade cornbread
- pigs in blankets
- grilled cheese
- marinated cucumbers and red onions
- ham and cheese sliders
- breadsticks
- beer bread
- soft pretzels
- chicken bacon ranch quesadilla
More Soup Recipes
Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1/4 cup butter unsalted
- 4 large Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 ½ cups whole milk or 2% milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat, brown the bacon. Using a slotted spoon remove the bacon from the pan reserving the grease. Add enough butter to make 2 tablespoons of fat. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the potatoes and onions to the pan cooking for 5 minutes or until the onions are soft. Add the garlic and the cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Using a slotted spoon remove the potatoes, onions, and garlic to a bowl or plate, reserving any fat in the pan.
- Melt enough butter to make 4 tablespoons of fat. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the chicken broth and milk in several intervals alternating between the two.
- Add the potatoes, onions, and garlic back to the pot and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Whisk in both shredded cheeses until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the bacon, sour cream, chives, and salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
- Bacon is much easier to chop when partially frozen, so toss it in the freezer about an hour before you start preparing the soup.
- The best potatoes for this soup are Russets. I always say don’t use Russet Potatoes in soup because they will start to break down. Well, there is an exception to every rule, and in this particular case, you want the potatoes to break down slightly into the soup, creating an ultra-creamy texture.
- Don’t add the bacon and sour cream until the end, as you want the bacon to stay crispy and the sour cream not to curdle.
- Store leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power.
- Top with chopped crispy bacon, sour cream, green onions, finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped chives.
Nutrition
Are you on the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Alicia
I added some instant mashed potatoes to my soup to thicken it up and it worked perfect without having to add anything else extra (or more dishes lol) to the recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip, Alicia!
Meg
This is easily one of our favorite new recipes. I have found if I use 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 cups milk, it really enhances thr creamy factor. I also add a bit of mexican chicken bouillon powder in with the cayenne and WOW!
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tips, Meg! So glad that you liked the potato soup.
Shawnae
This soup is the bomb dot com! Both my sister and I came back for seconds, and I served the soup with some biscuits! Thank you for sharing this amazing and delicious recipe, Ms. Beth! 😋
Beth Pierce
Hey Shawnae! The pleasure is all mine! I am so glad that you liked the potato soup.
Tonya Nickerson
Can I use whole milk vs 2%?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can
Sharon
This classic potato soup is so hearty and delicious! I love how creamy it is with addition of sour cream and two types of cheese.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sharon! So glad that you like it!
MJ
oh my goodness. This soup is so rich and comforting. Going into our regular dinner rotation!
Beth Pierce
Thank you!
Natalie
Delicious soup. My family loved it. I will definitely make it again. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Natalie!
Ieva
Filling, soul-warming and delicious! A perfect soup for the cold evenings! We love it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So happy that you like it!
Claudia
Wonderful flavors in this soup! and we loved it will make it often perfect for this chilly weather!
Matthew
This soup has become part of the regular rotation. It’s a family favorite. I like to hit it with an immersion blender a bit after the potatoes have softened. Thank you for yet another go-to recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Matthew!
Fransic Verso
This looks so good, we tried potato soup before, but not like this. I think we have everything to make it. Thank you for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it!!
kathy Engelson
I can’t print ANY of your recipes. WHY???
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. I have not heard this from anyone else. You can always copy and paste to a google doc and print from there.
Star
I don’t know if this is your situation but If you are trying to print from Facebook I can’t either. Tap on the three dots at top right and open in browser then print.
Nkem
Looks perfectly hearty and warm for a cold and cozy season!
Lacey
I make this soup often with this recipe and it always turns out great! Hubby and I love it with some crusty italian bread or sometimes i make my own loaf and i dip the bread in the soup, soo yummy!😋
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lacey! That does sound amazing with homemade bread! I can almost taste it now!
Thena Franssen
I love a good potato soup recipe! You can’t go wrong with cold weather and a bowl of homemade potato soup!
Rosey
Smart tip to add the bacon and sour cream last. Loaded Potato Soup is a perfect recipe for fall.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Rosey! I sure hope you like it!
Jona Shares
I have been craving for some pumpkin soup but I don’t have available pumpkin here so I guess I will try out the potato soup! Good thing I have stocks here. Thanks for your recipe! Hope it will turn out goodl.
Beth Pierce
I sure hope you enjoy it Jona!
Matilyn
This is how I was taught to make it too! When heating up some leftover for our lunch one time, my Dad put some cut fresh green beans in it. We have been making its that way ever since. I am in my 70’s now, and my guys still enjoy this soup
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip Matilyn!
Kristyn
We made this last week!! It brings the comfort & flavor. It’s one of those soups that I could eat weekly & not get sick of eating it. It’s delicious!
Natalie
I’ve already been making this, hoping it would bring cooler temps! I can’t wait for soup season. This one is at the top!!
Allyssa
Thank you so much for this loaded potato soup recipe, so delicious and really easy to make! Will surely have this again, well done!
Biana
Bacon, cheese and potatoes are perfect together. This soup looks amazing.
cyndy
Oh yes, the white cheddar and sour cream take this soup to the next level – pure comfort and goodness and so easy to make – my kids LOVED it!
Beth
This is so thick and creamy. A perfect bowl of comfort food! My family loved it.
Katherine
This soup is the ultimate tasty comfort food! Thanks!
Alisa Infanti
Absolutely delicious! This will be a regular staple in my kitchen!
Jessica Burgess
Now THIS was a loaded potato soup recipe!! My entire family devoured it in one sitting. Haha… so so good, thank yoU!
Betsy
Wonderfully hearty and delightfully delicious! Love this soup. So good for cool evenings! Love the creaminess and the perfect chunks of potatoes in creamy broth!
Ginny
I love this soup so much! It is comforting and has so much flavor. We eat it as a complete dinner with crusty bread. Yum!
Eden
This soup is SO good!! So much flavor, so creamy… just delicious! Can’t wait to make this again!
Shannon R
This is my mother in law’s favorite soup! I make it every time she visits!
Ginny
This was delicious! I loved the mix of yellow and white cheese and also the little bit of cayenne pepper. We ate this with some crusty bread. What a great meal.
Hope
Yum
Jenny
First time making any type of potatoe soup and it was great! Might put more bacon next time 😊
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jenny! So glad that you liked it. I can’t blame you about the bacon. It is delicious!!
Lisa
Reserve grease? Meaning drain from pan or leave in pan and add the butter to the grease?
Beth Pierce
Leave the grease from the bacon in pan and add enough butter to make 2 tablespoons of fat.
Valley
Omg this soup is good! I used chicken bone broth and green onions then when I reheated the next day for dinner, I broiled some of the white cheddar on top and put green onions on top of that. Amazing!!
Beth Pierce
I bet that was delicious! Nothing like a hot bowl of soup in the winter!
Kristyn
This is on the monthly rotation! It’s loaded with flavor, creamy, & hit s the spot on a cold evening!
Matt Taylor
I love a good potato soup! I can’t wait to try this, looks so amazing and super easy to make. 🙂
Toni
This is so good!! Always a hit at my house!
Cindy
I can’t find white cheddar. Only sharp or extra sharp white cheddar?
Beth Pierce
You can make it with sharp or extra sharp cheddar.
wilhelmina
This soup turned out so creamy and hearty, it was the perfect thing for dinner after a long day! So delicious!
Lisalia
LOVE baked potatoes. This soup is the next best thing!! LOVE IT.
Pam
Would using heavy cream instead of milk make it better or too thick?
Beth Pierce
Yeah it would make it a little thicker and it a little richer so it is really a personal call.
Megan
I dont have a Dutch oven could I do this in a crock pot?
Beth Pierce
Do you have a large pot?
veenaazmanov
Soup is my all time Dinner favorite and this one looks super delicious and creamy. Love that it is so cheesy and yum. New soup recipes like these go into my collection of awesome recipes.
Emily Liao
This one was definitely loaded with the most delicious savory flavors! Everyone loved how creamy it was as well.
Jeannette
Love comfort food, especially when it’s LOADED! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful recipe that makes the best of all ingredients!
Julia
Mmm this potatoe soup is calling my name! All the bacon and creamy texture, must make it soon!
Trang
Thanks for your tip about chopping bacon. I learned something totally new! This is such a warm comfort soup that is perfect right now since it’s so cold!
Toni
We’ve been enjoying these soup!! A delicious and comforting meal for fall nights!
Shelley
What wonderful, hearty comfort food for cold days! My family would totally love this delicious soup!
LINDA LEAHEY
Are the potatoes put in raw or slightly cooked? And if they are cooked , are they boiled?
Beth Pierce
They are cut in small cubes and added raw,
Courtney
I can’t wait to make this later this week. Tomorrow its tacos, but I will probably make this on Wednesday. It looks heavenly!!!!!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Courtney! Enjoy!!
Holly Murphy
Instead of flour, is there a substitute with corn flour or rice flour for gluten free?
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. Maybe one of the readers will have a good suggestion.
Wendi
Whenever I don’t want flour in a recipe, I use heavy cream instead of milk. Obviously not any healthier, but gluten free atleast.
Chris Braun
I’d recommend potato starch. It’s an excellent thickener and gives the soup an extra-silky texture. And, since it’s made with potatoes, it’s gluten-free.
Jenni
I made this to eat later in the week. I was only gonna taste it for seasonings. Well, I ended up eating 2 bowls! It’s very good.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jenni! So glad that you liked it! I love soup!
Sara
Gave this a try for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! Easily, a new favorite dinner recipe! Delicious!
Genevieve
I love potato soup recipes! This one is perfect for a chilli cozy fall evening in. Looks delicious!
Nathan
This soup looks like the absolute DEFINITION of comfort food, wow. Definitely going to need to try this now that the weather is getting colder!
Tara
Such a wonderful soup to kick off fall! It is packed with so many incredible flavors, especially all that crisp bacon.
Anita
The weather has started to get so much colder this past week, so I made this soup for my family. It was well received, and everyone loves the bacon in it. 🙂
Jacqueline
That looks so comforting. Perfect for this time of year.
Julie
A favorite comfort food at my house! It is so good!
Beti
YUM! Such a creamy, hearty and delicious soup!! My family would love it!
katerina
This loaded potato soup sounds incredibly delicious!! I can’t wait to try it!
Erin
This Loaded Potato Soup is seriously making me hungry!
Kim
This recipe looks creamier than mine! Printing now to try it! Thank you!
Jen
This is pure comfort food for the soul! When the weather is cold and gloomy, I crave this soup! I usually make a toppings bar for everyone to load up their bowl at dinner. The kids love it!