Step 5 — Add the Milk and Mash

Pour in the milk or half‑and‑half.
Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes.
This thickens the soup naturally and gives it a hearty texture, while still leaving chunks for bite.

Step 6 — Melt in the Cheese

Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar.
Stir until it melts completely into the soup, creating a smooth and velvety finish.

Step 7 — Add Sour Cream and Season

Stir in the sour cream, then season with:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional paprika or cayenne

The sour cream adds brightness and tang, balancing the richness beautifully.

Step 8 — Serve With All the Toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with classic loaded potato toppings:

• Crumbled bacon
• Extra cheese
• Chopped chives or green onions
• A dollop of sour cream
• Freshly cracked pepper

Each topping elevates the comfort and flavor of the soup.

🧡 Why This Recipe Works

✔ Creamy without being too heavy
✔ Natural thickness from mashed potatoes
✔ Balanced flavors from cheese, sour cream, and aromatics
✔ Classic loaded baked potato taste in soup form
✔ Perfect for freezing or reheating

🍲 Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate cold‑weather comfort dish—simple to prepare, deeply satisfying, and bursting with homestyle flavor. With its creamy base, tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and cheddar richness, it’s a recipe you’ll return to all winter long.

If you’d like, I can write a printable recipe card, a shorter version, or a variation such as slow cooker, bacon‑free, or extra‑cheesy.