Creamy • Cheesy • Ultimate Comfort Bowl
There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly evening than a bowl of rich, creamy Loaded Potato Soup. This classic recipe brings together everything people love about a loaded baked potato — crispy bacon, savory ham, melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions — all in one warm, hearty soup.
It’s thick, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or weekend comfort meals.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8 bowls
Ingredients
12 oz bacon
1½ cups chopped onion
6 cups chicken broth
2 lbs baking potatoes (Russet), peeled and cubed
⅔ cup butter
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup diced cooked ham
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
¾ cup sliced green onions (divided)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Cook the Bacon and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon 6–7 minutes until crisp.
Remove bacon, crumble it, and set aside.
Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in the skillet.
Add chopped onion and cook about 6 minutes until soft.
Step 2 — Cook the Potatoes
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine:
- cooked onion
- chicken broth
- cubed potatoes
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 3 — Make the Roux
In the bacon skillet, melt butter over low heat.
Whisk in flour until smooth.
Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth.
Step 4 — Build the Soup
Pour the milk mixture into the potato pot.
Add the remaining 2 cups milk, salt, and pepper.
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until soup thickens.
Step 5 — Add the Loaded Ingredients
Stir in:
- diced ham
- half of the bacon
- sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- ½ cup green onions
Cook gently until cheese melts and soup is heated through.
Step 6 — Garnish and Serve
Ladle soup into bowls.
Top with:
- remaining bacon
- shredded cheddar cheese
- green onions
Serve hot.
Flavor & Texture
Thick and creamy base
Soft tender potatoes
Smoky bacon
Savory ham
Sharp melted cheddar
Flavor profile: rich • creamy • smoky
Tips for the Best Potato Soup
Use Russet potatoes
They break down slightly and make the soup creamy.
Save some bacon for topping
This keeps a crispy texture.
Blend part of the soup
For extra creaminess, mash or blend a portion before adding toppings.
Optional Add-Ins
Extra toppings you can try:
- diced avocado
- jalapeños
- croutons
- extra sour cream
- crispy fried onions
Storage
Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: up to 2 months (without toppings)
Reheat slowly and add a splash of milk if needed.
Perfect Pairings
This soup pairs well with:
- crusty bread
- garlic toast
- green salad
- roasted vegetables
Final Thoughts
Loaded Potato Soup is one of those timeless recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
One pot, simple ingredients, and pure comfort in every spoonful.
