Loaded Potato Soup (Printable)

Velvety, comforting soup with tender russet potatoes, creamy cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. A hearty meal with custom spice.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Base & Dairy

05 - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
06 - 1 cup whole or 2% milk
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

→ Meats

09 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Oils & Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
03 - Add diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
04 - Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, or blend half and leave remainder chunky for preferred texture.
05 - Stir in milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until cheese melts and soup becomes creamy, about 5 minutes.
06 - Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
07 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, additional cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and any optional toppings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything you love about a loaded baked potato transformed into spoonable comfort
  • The texture shifts from silky smooth to satisfying bits in every bowl
  • This soup somehow tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers
02 -
  • Never add cold dairy straight from the refrigerator or it will separate and leave you with grainy, unappetizing soup
  • Potatoes absorb salt dramatically as they cook, so always adjust seasoning after the soup is fully assembled
  • An immersion blender saves you from transferring hot soup and creates less mess than a countertop blender
03 -
  • Cook your bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator so topping the soup takes seconds
  • Grate your own cheese from blocks instead of using pre shredded bags for smoother melting
  • Keep some potato pieces unblended if you prefer a more rustic, hearty texture in every spoonful
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