Simple and Quick Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

History of Loaded Potato Soup

Potato soup has been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to when potatoes were first cultivated in South America. Over time, different cultures added their twists, and in the U.S., it evolved into “loaded” potato soup, inspired by the toppings of a classic baked potato. It became a popular dish in homes and restaurants for its rich, satisfying flavor.

Why Loaded Potato Soup?

• Easy to Make: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like bacon, cheese, or green onions.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A family favorite that’s perfect for all ages.
• Comforting: Warm, creamy, and perfect for chilly days or a hearty dinner.

What is Loaded Potato Soup Made of?

This soup includes:

• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy texture.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy touch.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar for melty goodness.
• Cream and Sour Cream: For richness and a tangy finish.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth as the base.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic for depth of flavor.

What to Have with Loaded Potato Soup

Serve this dish with:

• Bread: Crusty bread, garlic bread, or rolls for dipping.
• Salad: A fresh green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness.
• Crackers: Butter crackers or pretzels.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For an indulgent pairing.

Is Loaded Potato Soup Healthy?

Loaded Potato Soup is rich and indulgent due to the cheese, bacon, and cream. To make it lighter, use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon. Add more vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for extra nutrients, and serve with a side salad for balance.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle (for serving)
• Potato masher or immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon (chopped)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for richness)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional toppings: Chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, and extra cheese

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

• In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
• Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 1-2 tbsp of bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Add the butter to the pot with the bacon drippings.
• Sauté the diced onion for 3-5 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

• Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Blend or Mash the Soup

• For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. (Alternatively, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes.)

Step 5: Add Milk, Sour Cream, and Cheese

• Stir in the milk, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Heat on low until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese. Serve warm with bread or crackers.

Tips

• Choose Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamy texture.
• Thicker Soup: Mash more potatoes or simmer longer to thicken.
• Thinner Soup: Add more broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth.
• Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Loaded Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with all the flavors of a baked potato. With crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a touch of sour cream, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Simple and Quick Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

getcakerecipes

Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with flavors that remind you of a loaded baked potato. It’s filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for that extra tang. This soup is quick to make and perfect for a cozy family meal or a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

• Large pot or Dutch oven

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Ladle for serving

• Potato masher or immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)

• 4 slices bacon (chopped)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for richness)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional toppings: Chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, and extra cheese

• In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.

• Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 1-2 tbsp of bacon drippings in the pot.

• Add the butter to the pot with the bacon drippings.

• Sauté the diced onion for 3-5 minutes until softened.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

• For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. (Alternatively, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes.)

• Stir in the milk, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Heat on low until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese. Serve warm with bread or crackers.

Keyword Loaded Potato Soup