Dinner

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Name: Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 lb bacon, cooked and chopped; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tsp seasoned salt, or to taste; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup Velveeta cheddar shreds, optional, for extra creaminess

By October 29, 2026 ⏱ 15 mins 🔥 35 mins 🍽 6 servings

There's something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy loaded potato soup, especially when the weather starts to cool down. This dish has become a staple in many households, a go-to for cozy family dinners or gathering with friends. The combination of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and crispy bacon is not only delicious but also satisfying. Families often request this dish every week, and it's easy to see why. It's the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it's cooking is simply irresistible.

What makes this loaded baked potato soup so special is its versatility and ease. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, and it's a dish that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal after a long day or a hearty dish to serve at a potluck, this soup is sure to be a hit. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a true crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that it's surprisingly simple to make.

Another reason why families love this loaded potato soup is its ability to bring everyone together. It's a dish that encourages sharing and conversation, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and crispy bacon is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a way to create lasting memories. So, whether you're serving it with garlic bread or crackers, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Classic

Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with potatoes, cheese, and bacon, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full and warm.
Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or ingredients to make it your own. Whether you prefer extra cheese, more bacon, or even some diced ham, the possibilities are endless.
Comfort in a Bowl: The rich, creamy texture and comforting flavors of this soup make it the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a chilly evening with friends and family.

Key Ingredients & Flavor Notes

Chef’s Tips for Foolproof Results

Cook the Bacon First: Cooking the bacon first not only gives you crispy bacon for topping but also infuses the soup with a rich, smoky flavor. Be sure to leave some of the bacon fat in the pot to sauté the onions and garlic.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: While you want the potatoes to be tender, overcooking them can make the soup too mushy. Check the potatoes after 15-20 minutes of simmering to ensure they are just fork-tender.
Mash a Few Potatoes: Lightly mashing a few of the cooked potatoes helps thicken the soup without the need for a roux. This technique gives the soup a creamy, velvety texture while still leaving plenty of chunks for texture.
Stir Continuously When Adding Dairy: When adding the heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese, stir continuously to prevent the dairy from curdling. This will ensure a smooth, creamy soup.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more seasoned salt or a pinch of black pepper to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

What to Serve With It & Storage Tips

This loaded baked potato soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes to round out your meal:

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing for any creamy soup, garlic bread adds a delicious, buttery crunch that complements the richness of the soup.
Crackers: If you prefer a lighter side, serve the soup with some crispy crackers. They add a satisfying crunch and are perfect for dipping.
Salad: For a refreshing contrast, serve a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance the richness of the soup.

Storage Tips: Leftover loaded baked potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a little milk or water to thin it out if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a slow cooker to make this soup?: Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Cook the bacon and set it aside. Sauté the onions and garlic in a pan, then add them to the slow cooker along with the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and 1 cup of water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, add the heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Lightly mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup, and season with seasoned salt and black pepper. Stir in some of the cooked bacon and serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?: Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can use other cheeses like Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of different cheeses to suit your taste. Just make sure the cheese melts well and complements the other flavors in the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?: To make this soup vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a smoky flavor, you can add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika. You can also sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil instead of bacon grease. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream and cheese alternative.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

There's something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy loaded potato soup, especially when the weather starts to cool down. This dish has become…

Prep15 mins

Cook35 mins

Serves6 servings

Ingredients

5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp seasoned salt, or to taste
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup Velveeta cheddar shreds, optional, for extra creaminess

Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a little bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. If using, add the Velveeta cheddar shreds as well. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

Mash Some Potatoes: Using a potato masher or a fork, lightly mash a few of the cooked potatoes to thicken the soup. Be careful not to over-mash; you want to leave plenty of chunks for texture.
Season the Soup: Season the soup with seasoned salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in some of the cooked bacon.
Serve and Top: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Potatoes: Diced potatoes are the star of this soup, providing a hearty, comforting base. The potatoes should be cooked until they are tender and can be easily mashed, which helps thicken the soup.
Bacon: Crispy bacon is a must for this recipe. It adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the creamy potatoes and cheese perfectly. The bacon is cooked first to render its fat, which is then used to sauté the onions and garlic, infusing the soup with even more flavor.
Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar cheese and optional Velveeta shreds creates a rich, creamy texture that is both decadent and comforting. The cheese melts into the soup, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
Heavy Cream and Sour Cream: These dairy products add a luxurious richness to the soup, making it incredibly creamy and smooth. The heavy cream provides a silky texture, while the sour cream adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Onions and Garlic: Diced onions and minced garlic are sautéed in the bacon fat to create a fragrant base for the soup. The onions should be cooked until they are translucent and fragrant, which adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is used to simmer the potatoes and create the soup base. It adds a subtle savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Seasoned Salt and Fresh Green Onions: Seasoned salt is used to enhance the overall flavor of the soup, while fresh green onions add a bright, fresh note and a pop of color.