Description
A warm, hearty, and creamy homemade loaded potato soup. Velvety potatoes in a rich broth, generously topped with crispy beef bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives, making it an ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz thick-cut beef bacon, diced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2.5–3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (1/2–3/4 inch)
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 4–5 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- Optional: 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
- Optional: Dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook diced beef bacon over medium heat until crispy (8-10 mins). Remove bacon, reserving most of the rendered fat.
- Add butter to the pot, then sauté finely diced onion for 6-8 mins until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 mins until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the aromatics, stirring constantly for 2-3 mins to form a light golden roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add cubed potatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 mins until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove pot from heat. Partially mash potatoes directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in milk (and softened cream cheese, if using) until smooth.
- Return pot to very low heat, add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and integrated.
- Remove pot from heat. Stir in sour cream.
- Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, hot sauce/cayenne).
- Stir in most of the crispy beef bacon (reserve some for garnish) and the white parts of the sliced green onions into the soup.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with the reserved crispy beef bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and the green parts of the sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread.
Notes
- This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
- Consider adding toppings like roasted broccoli or caramelized onions for variety.
- Use different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Cook Time: 50 Minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Loaded Potato Soup, Hearty, Creamy, Comfort Food