Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this incredible loaded potato soup recipe! Imagine a bowl of rich, creamy, and hearty soup, brimming with tender potatoes and savory bacon. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in, especially when topped with all your favorite fixings. This recipe brings a satisfying warmth to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup
You’re going to adore this loaded potato soup recipe for so many reasons. It is truly a family favorite!
- Hearty and Satisfying: This soup makes a complete meal, leaving you feeling perfectly full and happy.
- Incredibly Creamy Texture: Each spoonful is velvety smooth, a delightful blend of pureed and chunky potatoes.
- Packed with Savory Bacon Flavor: Crispy bacon bits infuse the soup and provide a delightful crunch.
- Perfect for Chilly Days: Warm up from the inside out with a bowl of this comforting soup.
- Easy to Customize Toppings: Personalize every bowl with your favorite cheeses, herbs, and more.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own amazing loaded potato soup recipe. Fresh, quality components make all the difference in flavor.
- 6 strips (uncooked) bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted will work)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g))
- 3 large garlic cloves (minced)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g)
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes (peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (this was about 6 Large potatoes for me/1.15kg))
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
- 2 cups milk (475ml)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml)
- 1 ½ teaspoon* salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder**
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results in your loaded potato soup recipe, choose the right potatoes. Gold potatoes offer a creamy texture, while Russets break down well for thickness. Urban Farmie highlights that Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent for creamy soups due to their moisture content and ability to hold their shape. You can also use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter soup. Feel free to swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly. If you prefer, turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative can replace traditional bacon. Ancho chili powder adds a subtle smoky depth, but it is completely optional if you don’t have it.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this delicious soup. Simple kitchen tools will do the trick!
- Large Dutch oven or a sturdy soup pot
- Sharp knife for dicing
- Cutting board
- Blender (traditional or immersion)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step directions to create your perfect loaded potato soup recipe. You’ll be surprised how easy it is!
First, place bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it is crisp and beautifully browned. Remove the cooked bacon pieces from the pot and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels, but be sure to leave the rendered fat in the pot. This fat is essential for flavor!
Next, add butter and the chopped onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and translucent, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Now, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ingredients in the pot. Stir continuously until smooth, creating a roux. A whisk can be helpful here to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes to the pot, along with the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir all the ingredients well to combine everything thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the soup until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Once the potatoes are tender, remove approximately half of the soup from the pot and carefully transfer it to a blender. Be extremely cautious as the soup will be very hot. Puree the soup until it is completely smooth and creamy. If you have an immersion blender, you can skip transferring the soup and blend directly in the pot.
Return the pureed soup to the pot with the remaining chunky soup. Add the sour cream and the reserved crispy bacon pieces, then stir everything well to combine. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 15 minutes before serving. This simmering time helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serve your delicious loaded potato soup recipe hot, topped with additional sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, or chives. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve soup perfection with these handy tips for your loaded potato soup recipe.
- Don’t Drain All Bacon Fat: Leave a tablespoon or two of bacon fat in the pot to sauté the onions; it adds incredible flavor.
- Uniform Potato Dicing: Dice potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly at the same rate.
- Careful with Hot Blender Soup: When pureeing, fill the blender only halfway, vent the lid, and cover with a towel to prevent steam buildup.
- Use Immersion Blender for Ease: An immersion blender simplifies the pureeing step and means less cleanup.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
- Avoid Curdling Dairy: Don’t bring the soup to a rolling boil after adding sour cream or heavy cream; just a gentle simmer is best.
- How to Thicken or Thin: If the soup is too thin, simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a little extra milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile soup is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your creamy loaded potato soup recipe with generous toppings like shredded sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chopped chives, and extra crumbled bacon bits. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic croutons for dipping. A simple green salad makes a great counterpoint to the richness. This versatile soup is perfect for any occasion.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, to prevent the dairy from curdling. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your loaded potato soup recipe! Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting the bacon, or using a plant-based bacon substitute. Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or more ancho chili powder for smoky flavor. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked gouda. For added texture and nutrition, stir in frozen corn, diced carrots, or spinach during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Nutrition Information
Making your loaded potato soup recipe at home gives you control over the ingredients. While this is a rich and comforting dish, it offers more wholesome ingredients than many store-bought options. Consider the calorie and fat content, especially with heavy cream and bacon. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of bacon, use low-fat milk, or even a smaller amount of sour cream.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Total Fat | 30-40g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20g |
| Cholesterol | 80-100mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30-40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-5g |
| Protein | 15-20g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup ahead?
Yes, you can prepare this delicious loaded potato soup recipe a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then gently reheat before serving.
What potatoes are best for potato soup?
Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but Russets work well too, especially if you prefer a thicker, more rustic soup. Avoid waxy potatoes.
How do I make this soup thicker?
If your soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash more of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry.
Can I freeze potato soup?
Yes, potato soup freezes well. Ensure it is completely cooled, then store in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. You can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener.
Conclusion
This creamy loaded potato soup recipe truly embodies ultimate comfort food, blending rich flavors with a satisfying, hearty texture. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers a gourmet experience perfect for any meal. We encourage you to whip up a batch soon and savor every delicious spoonful. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings! We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below.
