Loaded Potato Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Creamy Goodness

When the air turns chilly and you’re craving something hearty, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Loaded Potato Soup. It’s thick, creamy, cheesy, and brimming with classic comfort flavors. Topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh green onions, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Best of all, it’s easy to make right in your kitchen with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

5–6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
2–3 green onions, sliced thin

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for flavor.