When I first tasted Loaded Potato Soup, it was a quiet evening in my cozy kitchen, and I was chasing that perfect bowl of comfort. Right away, the rich blend of creamy potato soup and crispy bacon potato soup flavors surprised me—the cheese melting through each spoonful was pure magic. What made this Loaded Potato Soup unforgettable wasn’t just the taste, but how it created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that immediately felt like a hug in a bowl. This is exactly the kind of meal I want to share with fellow food lovers who crave easy, satisfying recipes that bring people together.
This Loaded Potato Soup truly represents my philosophy of approachable, comforting meals. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but still feels special enough for when you want to celebrate simple joys. The beauty lies in how versatile it is—whether you prefer a more cheesy potato soup or a heartier bacon potato soup vibe, you can customize it without hassle. I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe with you because it embraces everything I love about home cooking: connection, creativity, and comfort.
Before I dive into the details of this easy potato soup recipe, I want you to know how much happiness a bowl of this diced potatoes soup can bring. It’s the kind of meal that invites lingering conversations and smiles around the table. Plus, if you love creamy potato soup with a twist, you’ll find this recipe perfectly balances richness and flavor without overwhelming your kitchen. Let’s get started on making your own bowl of this Loaded Potato Soup to savour and share.
Ingredients:

Here’s the Loaded Potato Soup ingredient list that keeps things simple yet delicious, delivering incredible comfort every time:
- 6 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet for the best creamy potato soup texture)
- 5 strips bacon, chopped (the secret to amazing bacon potato soup flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (for that luxurious creamy potato soup richness)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the cheesy potato soup element everyone loves)
- ½ cup sour cream (adds tang and creamy texture)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and extra crispy bacon for garnish
You’ll find the best ingredients for this Loaded Potato Soup at your local farmers market or quality grocery store. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, make it the cheese—go for a good sharp cheddar for the richest, most satisfying cheesy potato soup flavor.
If you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version, swap bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth. For convenience, frozen diced potatoes can work well in this recipe and save prep time while still delivering a lovely diced potatoes soup texture.
If you’re prepping ahead, chopping onions and dicing potatoes early helps your cooking flow faster. Store them in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Let’s Make This!
1. Start by crisping your bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until it’s nice and crunchy—this is where your Loaded Potato Soup begins to shine with that smoky, savory bacon flavor. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel. Don’t discard the bacon fat left in the pot; it’s a flavor treasure!
2. Add chopped onions to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. This step releases those sweet onion flavors that build the base of your creamy potato soup.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown too much—your Loaded Potato Soup should smell fragrant but fresh at this stage.
4. Pour in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. A helpful tip for Loaded Potato Soup success: test potatoes by poking them with a fork—they should be soft but not falling apart.
5. Using an immersion blender, pulse some of the potato soup to slightly thicken it while retaining lovely chunks. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half the soup to a regular blender, and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Stir in the milk or half-and-half, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep your heat low so your cheese melts smoothly into this cheesy potato soup. Your soup should look creamy and smell irresistible now. Don’t worry—your Loaded Potato Soup is going to turn out beautifully with this final step.
7. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of crispy bacon and chopped green onions on top for that classic loaded potato soup finish. This is where your soup transforms into something truly special.
While your Loaded Potato Soup is cooking, take a moment to enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen—it’s worth savoring even before you take your first spoonful!
Serving & Presentation:

People always smile when I serve this Loaded Potato Soup at chilly evenings or casual family dinners. The comforting combination of creamy potato soup texture with the cheesy potato soup richness and bacon potato soup toppings warms hearts and fills bellies.
To present your dish beautifully, ladle the soup into wide bowls. Garnish with crispy bacon strips, shredded cheddar, and a handful of chopped green onions. If you want to add a playful crunch, serve alongside warm crusty bread or garlic cheese biscuits.
Perfect occasions for this Loaded Potato Soup include cozy weekend meals, casual get-togethers, or when you need an easy potato soup recipe that pleases every tastebud. This soup creates the sweetest moments and invites stories to flow naturally around the table.
If you have leftovers, transform your diced potatoes soup into twice-baked potatoes by reheating it, thickening slightly, and spooning it into baked potato skins, topping with extra cheese and baking until bubbly.
For seasonal twists, I’ve tested adding roasted corn, caramelized onions, or swapping classic cheddar for smoked gouda. Each variation felt like a new delicious creation that didn’t stray far from the comforting roots of loaded potato soup.
FAQs:
“Can I make this Loaded Potato Soup ahead of time?” Absolutely! Loaded Potato Soup holds up well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling the dairy. Adding a touch more broth during reheating helps the creamy potato soup regain its original texture.
“What if I don’t have sharp cheddar for my Loaded Potato Soup?” No worries! Many kinds of cheese work well, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder cheesy potato soup, or even pepper jack for a little kick. You can also skip cheese for a simpler version, and the bacon potato soup flavor will still shine through.
“How do I know when my Loaded Potato Soup is perfectly done?” Check that the diced potatoes in your soup are tender when pierced with a fork. The soup should be creamy but with a few potato chunks left to enjoy that diced potatoes soup texture. Perfect balance is key!
“Can I freeze Loaded Potato Soup?” I recommend skipping freezing after adding sour cream and cheese, as they can separate. Instead, freeze the soup before adding dairy, then stir in cheese and sour cream after thawing and reheating.
“Is there a vegetarian version of this easy potato soup recipe?” Sure! Leave out the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. Roasted mushrooms or crispy fried onions make great toppings instead.
“Can I use frozen diced potatoes in this recipe?” Frozen diced potatoes are a handy shortcut and work well, especially for busy days. Adjust cooking time just a bit—they may cook faster than fresh ones. For a slow cooker version with frozen potatoes, check out Slow Cooker Potato Soup (with frozen potatoes) – The Country Cook.
“How creamy should this soup be?” Your Loaded Potato Soup should feel rich and velvety without being heavy. If you want it creamier, add more half-and-half or a dollop of sour cream. For a smooth finish, the Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup from Sugar Spun Run is a delightful variation to explore.
If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love checking out my Loaded Baked Potato Soup and Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe for different takes on this classic comfort food. And for an easy, hands-off approach, the Crockpot Potato Soup is a warm, convenient option.
Why This Loaded Potato Soup Will Become Your New Favorite:
This Loaded Potato Soup embodies everything I stand for: approachability, warmth, and creating meals that bring people together. It’s the perfect balance of creamy potato soup and cheesy, bacon-infused goodness that anyone can make with confidence. Plus, it’s a recipe that adapts to your preferences—whether you love a punchy bacon potato soup or a silky, cheesy potato soup.
My Loaded Potato Soup Success Tips:
- Use real bacon fat to build rich flavor at the start.
- Don’t overblend the potatoes; leave some diced potato chunks for texture.
- Warm dairy gently to prevent curdling and keep your soup smooth.
Over time, I’ve loved experimenting with variations like roasted garlic and herb, loaded baked potato with chives and more cheese, and even veggie-loaded versions with kale and corn. The classic bacon potato soup with sharp cheddar is definitely the one that gets the most smiles around my table.
I encourage you to add this Loaded Potato Soup recipe to your comfort food repertoire—it’ll become a go-to for family dinners, casual get-togethers, and chilly nights that call for some extra heartwarming meals. I believe in your success and can’t wait to hear how this beautiful recipe creates special moments in your home.
Please share your delicious results with me and the community! There’s nothing better than seeing how your own kitchen brings this Loaded Potato Soup to life.
For further inspiration, try these wonderful resources for creamy potato soup variations: The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup – Sugar Spun Run, Slow Cooker Potato Soup (with frozen potatoes) – The Country Cook, and Potato Soup Recipe | The Girl Who Ate Everything. They offer fantastic perspectives on this comforting classic that complement my Loaded Potato Soup beautifully.
Loaded Potato Soup
A comforting and creamy loaded potato soup packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste, about 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon pieces and sliced green onions.
Notes
For extra creaminess, substitute half the milk with heavy cream. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.