Name: Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 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 & 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

The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, a culinary masterpiece that promises to soothe your soul and satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings. I truly believe there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of this hearty delight on a chilly evening, capable of transforming an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. Potato soups, in their simplest forms, have graced tables worldwide for centuries, revered for their profound ability to nourish and provide warmth during colder months. However, the “loaded” iteration, brimming with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives, elevates this beloved classic to an entirely new level of indulgence, transforming humble ingredients into something truly spectacular.

What makes this dish so universally adored? It’s the unparalleled combination of velvety, tender potatoes, simmered to perfection in a rich, creamy broth, then generously adorned with all those irresistible toppings. Every spoonful offers a delightful medley of textures and flavors – the salty crunch of bacon, the gooey pull of melted cheese, and the fresh, subtle bite of green onions. This isn’t merely a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a moment of pure, unadulterated comfort right in your own kitchen. Prepare yourself, because you’re about to discover how straightforward it is to craft what many will declare to be The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup they’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients:

6-8 slices thick-cut bacon, about 8 ounces, diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4-5 large Russet potatoes, about 2.5-3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch cubes
2 cups whole milk, or half-and-half for extra richness
1 cup sour cream, full-fat for best results
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste (adjust after adding broth and cheese)
4-5 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated for garnish and flavor
Optional: 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened, for an even creamier texture
Optional: A dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick

Preparing the Foundation: Bacon, Aromatics, and Roux

Crisp the Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is beautifully crispy and all the fat has rendered. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Do not rush this step, as the crispy bacon bits are crucial for texture and the rendered fat provides incredible flavor for our soup base. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving the bacon grease in the pot. We’ll add this back in later!
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-low. If you have more than about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease, you can carefully spoon some out, but a little extra fat adds fantastic flavor. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot with the remaining bacon grease. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the finely diced yellow onion. Cook the onion gently, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. The goal here is to sweeten the onion without browning it too much.
Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the softened onions. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as this can lead to a bitter taste. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is just the beginning of what makes The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup so irresistible.
Build the Roux: Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and combine with the fat to form a paste, or roux. This step is incredibly important for thickening our soup and ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency later on. The roux should be a light golden color and smell slightly nutty, losing that raw flour taste.

Building the Heart of the Soup: Potatoes and Broth

Whisk in the Broth: Gradually pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, about one cup at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. Patience is key here; adding the broth slowly and whisking thoroughly will result in a perfectly creamy soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the Potatoes: Carefully add the peeled and cubed Russet potatoes to the simmering broth mixture. Stir to ensure they are fully submerged. At this stage, I also like to add about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Remember, we’ll adjust the seasoning later, but giving the potatoes flavor as they cook is crucial.
Simmer until Tender: Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potato cubes. You should be able to easily mash a potato piece against the side of the pot with a spoon.

Achieving Creaminess and Final Flavor Adjustments

Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use a potato masher to partially mash the potatoes directly in the pot. You want to leave some chunks for texture – don’t go for a completely smooth puree unless that’s your preference. I find that leaving about half of the potatoes as chunks gives this homemade loaded potato soup its characteristic hearty feel.
Stir in the Dairy: Pour in the 2 cups of whole milk (or half-and-half) and, if using, the 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, and the milk is evenly distributed. The soup will become noticeably creamier and take on a beautiful pale yellow hue.
Melt the Cheese: Return the pot to very low heat. Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly integrated into the soup. This is where the “loaded” aspect truly begins to shine through, giving us that classic cheesy goodness.
Incorporate Sour Cream and Finish Seasoning: Remove the pot from the heat once again. Stir in the 1 cup of sour cream. It’s important to add sour cream off the heat to prevent it from curdling. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. This is your chance to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Sometimes, a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce can add an extra layer of umami complexity. The goal is a perfectly balanced, rich, and flavorful soup.

Assembling and Serving Your Masterpiece

Add the Bacon and Green Onions: Stir in most of your crispy bacon bits (reserving a handful for garnish) and the white parts of your thinly sliced green onions into the soup. These additions bring incredible flavor and textural contrast, elevating your homemade loaded potato soup from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Serve Hot and Garnish Generously: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For that truly “loaded” experience, garnish each serving generously with the reserved crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and the green parts of the sliced green onions. A dollop of extra sour cream on top is also a wonderful touch for those who love an extra tang.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor: Serve immediately with some crusty bread for dipping, if desired. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own and is perfect for a cozy evening. You’ve just created The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup, a comforting and incredibly satisfying dish that I guarantee will become a favorite.

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the end of our culinary journey, and I genuinely hope you’re as excited as I am about what we’ve just created. This isn’t just any soup recipe; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, a truly satisfying meal that promises to become a cherished staple in your home. We’ve taken simple, wholesome ingredients and transformed them into something extraordinary, a dish that manages to be both incredibly comforting and surprisingly elegant. There’s just something magical about a bowl of rich, creamy potato soup, laden with all the glorious toppings we love. It transcends the ordinary, offering a taste experience that feels both familiar and deeply indulgent. I truly believe that once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about it.

What makes this particular recipe for The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup an absolute must-try, you ask? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, achieved through careful attention to detail without making the process overly complicated. We start with tender, perfectly cooked potatoes, which form the velvety base. Then, we infuse it with a blend of savory aromatics, rich broth, and just enough creaminess to make every spoonful a delight. The crisp bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions aren’t just garnishes; they’re integral components that elevate the entire dish from good to utterly unforgettable. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal, yet refined enough to impress guests at your next dinner party. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, fostering warmth and good conversation, especially on those chilly evenings when all you crave is something deeply nourishing and soul-satisfying.

Now, let’s talk about making this incredible soup your very own. While it’s absolutely perfect as is, part of the joy of cooking is experimenting and adapting recipes to suit your personal taste or whatever you have on hand. For serving suggestions, think about what complements a rich, creamy soup. A crusty loaf of artisanal bread is always a fantastic choice, ideal for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. Alternatively, a light, refreshing side salad with a tangy vinaigrette would offer a wonderful contrast to the soup’s richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a slice of cornbread, perhaps even one infused with a bit of jalapeño for a subtle kick. These pairings not only complete the meal but also add layers of texture and flavor that truly enhance the experience.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! The beauty of this loaded potato soup lies in its versatility. Don’t feel limited by my topping suggestions. Want to explore different cheese profiles? Swap out the sharp cheddar for some smoky gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for an adventurous twist. For those who love a bit more protein, consider adding shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, or even some crumbled spicy Italian sausage. Vegetarian friends can rejoice too! Roasted broccoli florets, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms make fantastic additions, adding depth and earthiness without the meat. If you like a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the pot can really awaken the flavors. For an extra luxurious texture, a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream can be whisked in at the end, making the soup even more luscious. If you prefer a slightly lighter version, you can always use a bit more milk and a bit less heavy cream, adjusting to your preferred consistency and richness. You could also make it a little thicker by mashing more of the potatoes against the side of the pot, or thinner by adding a splash more broth. This soup truly is a canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor it exactly to your cravings.

This recipe is more than just instructions; it’s an invitation.

An invitation to gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and create something truly special for yourself and your loved ones. I promise you, the aroma filling your kitchen will be intoxicating, and the first spoonful will confirm that every bit of effort was worth it. There’s immense satisfaction in preparing a meal that brings so much joy and comfort, and this loaded potato soup truly delivers on that promise. It’s an experience that nourishes not just the body, but the soul.

So, please, don’t hesitate. Roll up your sleeves, give The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup a try, and taste the difference that homemade quality makes. I am genuinely excited for you to experience this culinary delight. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original, or did you put your own creative spin on it? What were your favorite toppings? Did it become an instant family favorite, as I suspect it will? Share your triumphs, your variations, and your feedback in the comments below. Your insights and culinary adventures inspire me, and I can’t wait to connect with you over our shared love for delicious, heartwarming food. Happy cooking, and enjoy every single comforting spoonful!