Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 4 oz. bacon
- 1 yellow onion
diced
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 lbs. russet potatoes
peeled & diced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- or to taste1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese
shredded
- 3 green onions
sliced
Directions
- 1
Add the bacon to a large soup pot and cook over medium heat until brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a clean bowl or plate, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- 2
While the bacon is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to the pot after the bacon has been removed and cook over medium heat in the bacon grease until the onions are soft and translucent.
- 3
Add the butter and flour to the pot and continue to stir and cook over medium heat for about two minutes to form a roux.
- 4
Add the chicken broth and milk to the pot and whisk to dissolve all of the flour and butter.
- 5
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, cover, and turn the heat up to medium-high to bring the broth up to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for 15 minutes, or until they are very tender (easily pierced with a fork).
- 6
Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the potatoes until the soup is to your desired thickness.
- 7
Season the soup with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Once seasoned, stir in the sour cream.
- 8
Serve the soup hot and top each bowl with the crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and cheddar cheese.
Loaded Potato Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug? This Loaded Potato Soup brings all the irresistible flavors of your favorite fully-loaded baked potato right into a bowl. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any chilly evening.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Loaded Potato Soup truly special is its incredible balance of rich, creamy texture with bold, savory flavors. We build depth from the start with crispy bacon, a fragrant sautéed onion and garlic base, then thicken it to perfection with a classic roux. The combination of chicken broth and whole milk creates a velvety smooth body, while russet potatoes break down just enough to lend natural creaminess and body without feeling too heavy. A touch of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates it beyond a basic potato soup.
What to Expect
Prepare for a spoonful of pure comfort. You’ll be greeted by a luxuriously thick and creamy soup, studded with tender chunks of potato and bursts of salty, smoky bacon. The flavor profile is deeply savory, with a delicate tang from the sour cream and a sharp, comforting bite from the melted cheddar cheese. Fresh green onions provide a vibrant finish, cutting through the richness with their mild, oniony zest. This soup is designed to be hearty and fulfilling, truly a meal in itself, delivering that familiar, beloved taste of a fully dressed baked potato in every spoonful.
Customization & Variations
This loaded potato soup is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. For an extra smoky kick, you could try a different smoked cheese like Gouda alongside the cheddar. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also experiment with different potato types, though russets offer the best starchy texture for thickening. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat.
Serving & Context
Serve this cozy Loaded Potato Soup as a comforting main dish for a family dinner or a casual gathering. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. It’s especially welcome on a cold day, promising warmth and satisfaction.