Toppings (the “loaded” part!)
- Crispy bacon, crumbled
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions or chives
- A dollop of sour cream
Optional add-ins: diced ham, extra cheese, a pinch of paprika, or even jalapeños for heat.
🍲 How to Make the Creamiest Loaded Potato Soup
1. Cook the Bacon
Cook until crispy, then set aside. (This also gives you bacon drippings—gold!)
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a pot, melt butter and sauté the onions until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add Flour to Form a Roux
Stir in the flour until it forms a thick paste. This is what gives the soup its rich, velvety texture.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Add the diced potatoes and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook Until Potatoes Are Tender
About 10–15 minutes. The potatoes should mash easily with a spoon.
6. Add Milk and Mash
Pour in the milk or half-and-half.
Mash some of the potatoes for creaminess, but leave chunks for texture.
7. Season to Perfection
Add salt, pepper, and any additional spices you love.
🌬️ Serve It Loaded!
Ladle the rich soup into bowls, then top generously with:
- Crumbled bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Sour cream
The toppings melt, swirl, and blend beautifully with the hot soup, creating that signature “loaded” flavor.
🍽️ Make It Your Own
Here are a few fun variations:
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk or swap in cauliflower for half the potatoes.
- Extra Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or extra cheese.
- Protein Boost: Stir in diced chicken, ham, or turkey.
- Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika or use smoked bacon.
❄️ Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
Loaded potato soup is one of those recipes that’s:
- Easy enough for weeknights
- Impressive enough for guests
- Comforting enough to soothe any cold-weather blues
It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with irresistible aroma and gathers everyone around the table.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Warm, rich, and indulgent, this Loaded Potato Soup recipe brings pure comfort to every spoonful. If you’re looking for the perfect dish to warm your hands and your heart on a crisp day, this is it.
Serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or enjoy it all on its own—it’s a cold-weather classic you’ll want on repeat.
