Description
Loaded Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty comfort food blending tender russet potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory herbs into a rich, velvety soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this adaptable recipe offers a satisfying texture and familiar flavors that delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Russet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 slices Bacon
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 2 tablespoons Chives or Green Onions, chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Bacon: Peel and cube the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the bacon fat left in the pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful soup base.
- Simmer Potatoes and Broth: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend and Add Creaminess: Using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches, puree half the soup to create creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks intact. Stir in heavy cream and sour cream until fully combined.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove pot from heat and mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Crumble some of the cooked bacon into the soup for added smoky flavor.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top with extra cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and chopped chives or green onions for color and freshness.
Notes
- Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for ideal texture and starch balance.
- Blend only half of the soup to keep a creamy yet chunky consistency.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess or oiliness.
- Cook bacon extra crispy then crumble finely for even flavor distribution.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary at the end to preserve their brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg