Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup – Creamy, Cheesy, and Loaded With Flavor
There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade potato soup on a chilly day. This Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup takes everything you love about a classic baked potato and turns it into a rich, creamy, and satisfying soup. Made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, butter, cream, and sour cream, every spoonful is packed with comforting flavor.
What makes this soup especially delicious is its combination of textures. The potatoes become soft and tender, the broth turns thick and creamy, and the toppings add the perfect finishing touch. Crispy bacon brings a savory crunch, shredded cheddar adds a cheesy richness, and green onions provide a fresh pop of flavor.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, looking for a comforting weekend meal, or simply craving a restaurant-style soup at home, this Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup is sure to become a favorite.
The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it easy enough for a weeknight while still feeling special enough to serve to guests.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup
This homemade potato soup has everything you want in a comforting meal.
1. Rich and Creamy Texture
Butter, milk, heavy cream, and a little flour create a smooth, velvety base that coats every piece of potato.
2. Loaded With Classic Baked Potato Toppings
Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh green onions give this soup the familiar flavor of a fully loaded baked potato.
3. Simple Everyday Ingredients
You don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. Most of the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store.
4. Perfect for Family Dinners
This recipe makes a generous batch, so it’s ideal for feeding a hungry family or preparing several portions for later.
5. Easy to Customize
You can adjust the thickness, cheese, toppings, and seasonings to suit your taste. Add extra bacon for a smoky flavor or more cheddar for an even cheesier soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the rich flavor and creamy consistency of this loaded potato soup.
For the Soup
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Toppings
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Extra freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional
How to Make Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup
Follow these easy steps to create a thick, creamy, and flavorful potato soup at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes.
Try to keep the pieces approximately the same size so they cook evenly. Russet potatoes are an excellent choice because they soften easily and help create a naturally thick soup. Yukon Gold potatoes also work beautifully and provide a slightly buttery flavor.
Set the prepared potatoes aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon slices in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
Cook until the bacon becomes crispy, turning as needed to brown both sides evenly.
Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
Reserve a little bacon for the final garnish.
If desired, leave approximately one tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor, removing any excess.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook over medium heat for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
The onion and garlic create a flavorful foundation that makes the soup taste rich and homemade.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Chicken Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
Stir gently to combine everything.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Avoid boiling too aggressively, as the potatoes may break apart before they are fully cooked.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Base
While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 6: Combine the Creamy Mixture With the Soup
Once the potatoes are tender, gradually pour the creamy milk mixture into the soup pot.
Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
Allow the soup to simmer over low heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The broth should begin to develop a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 7: Add the Cheese and Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding more.
Add the sour cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Stir gently until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth.
Avoid bringing the soup to a rapid boil after adding the cheese and sour cream, as high heat can affect the creamy texture.
Step 8: Adjust the Texture
For a thicker, more traditional loaded potato soup, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
Leave plenty of potato chunks for a hearty texture.
If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra warm chicken broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Step 9: Add the Bacon
Stir most of the crumbled bacon into the soup, saving the rest for serving.
Allow the soup to warm over low heat for another 2–3 minutes so the bacon flavor can blend with the creamy broth.
Step 10: Serve and Add the Toppings
Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls.
Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, a small spoonful of sour cream, and sliced green onions.
Finish with freshly ground black pepper or chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup
A few simple techniques can help you achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.
Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes are ideal if you prefer a thick soup because they break down easily during cooking.
Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option. They have a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape slightly better.
Cut the Potatoes Evenly
Try to dice the potatoes into similar-sized cubes. This ensures that they cook at approximately the same rate.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Freshly shredded cheddar usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking ingredients.
Add Cheese Over Low Heat
High heat can cause melted cheese to become grainy. Lower the heat before adding the cheddar and stir gently until smooth.
Don’t Skip the Sour Cream
Sour cream adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances the richness of the butter, cream, and cheese.
Control the Thickness
If you prefer a chunky soup, mash only a few potatoes. For a smoother texture, mash more of the potatoes or blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese.
Season Gradually
Bacon, chicken broth, and cheddar cheese can all contain salt. Taste the soup before adding extra salt.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is easy to customize with different ingredients and flavors.
Loaded Potato Soup With Extra Bacon
For an even smokier flavor, cook a few additional bacon slices and sprinkle them generously over each bowl before serving.
Cheesy Potato Soup
Add extra sharp cheddar or a little Monterey Jack cheese for a richer, cheesier soup.
Loaded Potato Soup With Ham
Replace some of the bacon with diced cooked ham. Stir it into the soup near the end of cooking so it warms without becoming tough.
Spicy Loaded Potato Soup
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
Vegetarian Loaded Potato Soup
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for additional savory flavor.
Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup
Add small broccoli florets during the final 8–10 minutes of cooking, allowing them to become tender. The combination of potatoes, broccoli, and cheddar creates a delicious variation.
Garlic Parmesan Potato Soup
Add extra minced garlic and a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a deeper savory flavor.
What to Serve With Loaded Potato Soup
Although this soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, a few simple sides can make dinner even better.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft homemade rolls complement the thick potato texture.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and a light dressing balances the richness.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Serve with a toasted cheese sandwich for an extra comforting meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans add freshness and color.
- Crackers: Buttery crackers provide a simple crunchy side.
How to Store Leftover Potato Soup
Allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to airtight containers.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and store for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, store extra toppings such as bacon, cheddar, and green onions separately. Add them fresh when serving.
How to Reheat Loaded Potato Soup
Potato soup thickens as it cools, so it may need a little extra liquid when reheating.
Transfer the desired amount to a saucepan and warm over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Add a splash of milk or chicken broth until the soup reaches your preferred consistency.
Avoid boiling the soup, especially after adding cream and cheese.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave using short intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
Can You Freeze Loaded Potato Soup?
This soup is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated because dairy-based potato soups can change texture after freezing.
Cream, milk, and sour cream may separate, while potatoes can become grainy or slightly watery after thawing.
If you want to prepare the soup ahead for freezing, consider making the potato and broth base without the milk, cream, cheese, or sour cream.
Freeze the cooled base in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and then add the creamy ingredients and cheese before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Potatoes for Loaded Potato Soup?
Russet potatoes are an excellent choice because they soften easily and help thicken the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes are also delicious and provide a naturally buttery flavor.
Can I Make Loaded Potato Soup Without Heavy Cream?
Yes. You can replace the heavy cream with additional whole milk. The soup may be slightly less rich, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
How Do I Make Potato Soup Thicker?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot. You can also prepare a small flour-and-butter mixture and gradually whisk it into the soup if additional thickening is needed.
Why Is My Potato Soup Too Thick?
Potatoes absorb liquid as the soup cooks and cools. Simply add a little warm milk or chicken broth and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Bacon?
Absolutely. Pre-cooked bacon can save time. Warm it until crispy before crumbling it over the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can prepare the potato and broth mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the creamy mixture, cheese, and sour cream.
Can I Make Loaded Potato Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes. Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for approximately 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Prepare the butter, flour, milk, and cream mixture separately. Stir it into the soup near the end, followed by the cheddar and sour cream. Add cooked bacon before serving.
How Do I Keep the Cheese From Becoming Grainy?
Use freshly shredded cheese, reduce the heat before adding it, and stir gradually until melted. Avoid boiling the soup after the cheese has been added.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. Also check that your chicken broth and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Recipe Card: Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Cooking Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Toppings:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes.
- Cook the bacon in a large soup pot until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble when cool.
- Sauté the onion in the pot for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Pour the creamy mixture into the cooked potato mixture and stir gently.
- Add cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Mash some of the potatoes to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Stir most of the crumbled bacon into the soup.
- Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes without boiling.
- Serve warm with extra cheddar, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
Estimated Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Loaded Potato Soup is the kind of comforting homemade meal that brings everyone to the table. With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a rich creamy broth, it delivers all the delicious flavors of a loaded baked potato in every spoonful.
It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Serve each bowl with plenty of crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh green onions for the ultimate loaded potato soup experience. Once you try this homemade version, it may quickly become one of your favorite comfort food recipes.