Loaded Potato Soup

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of thick, creamy soup on a chilly evening, especially when it’s packed with familiar flavors. This recipe is cozy, filling, and built for real life — the kind of meal you make when everyone’s hungry and you want something warm without extra fuss. Loaded potato soup brings together tender potatoes, rich broth, and classic toppings in one pot, making it easy to serve and easy to love. It works just as well for a quiet night at home as it does for feeding family after a long day. I usually start it while the kitchen is still quiet, letting it gently simmer as the house fills with that comforting smell.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup checks so many boxes for everyday cooking. It’s rich and hearty without feeling heavy, and the flavors feel familiar in the best way. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special tools — everything comes together with simple steps and a little patience. It’s weeknight-friendly, budget-conscious, and makes enough to stretch into leftovers that taste even better the next day. This version of loaded potato soup is also flexible, which makes it perfect for Pinterest saves. You can adjust the thickness, change the toppings, or make it ahead and reheat when life gets busy. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly, and comforting enough to become part of your regular meal rotation without ever feeling boring.

Ingredients

Tip: Starchy potatoes like russet potatoes break down beautifully and give the soup its creamy base.

2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook evenly. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the green onions. Set everything within reach so cooking feels calm and unhurried.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp and fragrant. Remove it and set aside, leaving some fat in the pot. Add butter and onion, cooking until soft and lightly golden.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Stir in garlic and diced potatoes, coating them in the warm fat. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and starting to break apart slightly.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and stir in milk, cream, cheese, and sour cream. Let the soup simmer gently until thick and creamy, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper, then top with bacon and green onions before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup fits into real schedules. Most of the time is hands-off simmering, which makes it easy to multitask. It reheats well, stores beautifully, and tastes even cozier the next day. For Pinterest cooks planning ahead, it’s reliable, forgiving, and perfect for doubling.

Tips & Tricks

Cut potatoes evenly: Uneven chunks can leave some pieces undercooked while others dissolve too quickly. Take a minute to cut them similar in size for a smoother texture and consistent bite throughout the soup.
Don’t rush the simmer: Boiling too hard can scorch the bottom and affect flavor. Keep the heat gentle so the soup thickens naturally and stays creamy without sticking or separating.
Add dairy slowly: Pouring cold milk or cream in too fast can cause curdling. Lower the heat and stir slowly so everything blends smoothly and keeps a velvety finish.
Season at the end: Potatoes absorb salt as they cook. Tasting and adjusting seasoning near the end prevents an overly salty soup and keeps flavors balanced.

Variations

Meaty version: Add diced ham or cooked sausage along with the bacon for extra heartiness. This works especially well if you want the soup to feel like a full meal without adding side dishes.
Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Sauté onions in butter or olive oil and add smoked paprika for depth without meat-based flavors.
Ingredient swap: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter texture. The soup will still be creamy, just slightly thinner and easier on everyday ingredients.
Flavor boost: Stir in fresh thyme or chives near the end. A small handful of herbs brightens the soup and adds a fresh contrast to the rich base.

Serving Suggestions

With crusty bread: Thick slices of toasted bread are perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of soup. This pairing turns a simple bowl into a cozy, filling dinner.
As a family-style meal: Serve the soup with topping bowls on the table so everyone can customize. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for relaxed family evenings.
Alongside a salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness and adds freshness, making the meal feel complete without extra cooking time.
For gatherings: Keep the soup warm in a slow cooker and let guests serve themselves. It’s comforting, low-stress, and ideal for casual get-togethers.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir well before reheating, as the soup may thicken while chilled.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick. Avoid high heat to keep the dairy smooth.
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly. Texture may change slightly but flavor stays comforting.
Make-ahead tips: Cook the soup base without dairy, then add milk, cream, and cheese when reheating. This keeps the texture creamy and fresh-tasting.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories range from 350–450 per serving, depending on toppings and portions. Protein is approximately 12–18 grams per bowl. The soup also provides calcium from dairy and potassium from potatoes. Values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient choices and serving size.

FAQs

Yes, it stores and reheats very well.

Cooking on high heat, which can scorch the bottom.

Yes, but the soup will be slightly less creamy.

Mash some potatoes directly in the pot.

Up to four days in airtight containers.

Conclusion

This is the kind of recipe that fits into everyday life without effort. It’s warm, filling, and easy to adapt based on what you already have in the kitchen. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll find yourself changing toppings, adjusting thickness, and making it your own. Loaded potato soup is meant to be flexible, forgiving, and shared — whether it’s a quiet dinner or a table full of family. Save it for later, come back to it often, and let it become one of those recipes you rely on when you want something comforting and familiar.