Super Cozy Classic Old-Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of classic old-fashioned loaded potato soup that warms souls from the first spoonful.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich, hearty ingredients that speak to traditional home cooking.

Potatoes form the delectable foundation of this beloved recipe, creating a satisfying meal for chilly evenings.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese mingle throughout the velvety base, promising deep flavor in every bite.

Generations have cherished this simple yet luxurious soup that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Green onions add a fresh crunch that cuts through the soup’s richness.

Savor this timeless recipe that connects you to cherished culinary memories and brings pure comfort to your table.

What Makes Loaded Potato Soup Special

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up a hearty, creamy potato soup with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy home cooks craving a satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Customize this soup with your favorite toppings like extra cheese, crispy bacon, or fresh herbs to suit different taste preferences and make everyone happy.
• One-Pot Dish: Prepare a delicious, filling meal using just a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delectable creation with family and friends.
• Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with protein from bacon and cheese, and loaded with nutrient-rich potatoes, this soup offers a balanced and wholesome dining experience that keeps you full and satisfied.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Hearty and starchy vegetable that makes the soup creamy and comforting.
• Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth: Flavorful liquid that provides depth to the soup.

• Milk: Smooth and rich dairy product for extra creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious addition that makes the soup velvety.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor.

• Butter: Golden fat that helps create a smooth base.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating a silky roux.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that boosts overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance the soup's flavor.
• Turkey Bacon: Crispy and smoky protein that adds texture.
• Green Onions: Fresh and zesty topping for brightness.

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Build a Flavorful Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Sprinkle flour into the butter, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, developing a rich, nutty flavor.

Step 2: Create a Smooth Liquid Foundation

Slowly whisk chicken or vegetable broth into the roux, making sure no lumps form.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously to blend everything perfectly.

Step 3: Cook the Hearty Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot.

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and let the potatoes cook until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Richness

Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring gently to incorporate.

Warm the soup without allowing it to boil, creating a luxurious and smooth texture.

Step 5: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

• Crumbled turkey bacon
• Sliced green onions
• Grated cheddar cheese

Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and blends into the soup.

Season with salt and pepper to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Step 6: Prepare and Present the Soup

Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls.

• Additional turkey bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Sprinkle of cheddar cheese

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic potato soup.

Extra Tips for Potato Soup Perfection

• Whisk flour into melted butter carefully to prevent lumps and create a smooth, golden base for your soup's rich texture.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most velvety soup consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Crisp turkey bacon separately to maintain its crunchiness, then sprinkle on top just before serving for maximum flavor and textural contrast.
• Use room temperature cream and milk to prevent curdling and ensure a silky, uniform soup that blends seamlessly.
• Control salt levels by using low-sodium broth and adding salt gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect seasoning balance.

How to Store and Reheat Potato Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Stir gently while reheating to help maintain smooth texture and prevent cream from breaking.

Best Pairings for Potato Soup

• Craft Perfect Beverage Companions: Crisp Chardonnay enhances the soup's creamy texture with its buttery notes and balanced acidity, cutting through the richness.
• Pair Complementary Crunch: Serve alongside toasted sourdough bread or artisan garlic crostini to add delightful textural contrast and soak up the hearty soup.
• Select Matching Red Wine: A light Pinot Noir provides subtle fruit undertones that beautifully complement the smoky turkey bacon and sharp cheddar cheese flavors.
• Match Refreshing Beer Style: Choose a smooth wheat beer or blonde ale with mild carbonation to cleanse the palate between creamy spoonfuls and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint.

Twist Ideas for Potato Soup Lovers

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace turkey bacon with smoky tempeh bacon or roasted mushrooms for a plant-based protein alternative. Use vegetable broth and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Edition: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content. Maintain the rich, creamy consistency by keeping the roux and adding extra cheese for thickness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this potato soup?

The key ingredients include potatoes, butter, flour, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, milk, turkey bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese. These components create a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the turkey bacon with vegetarian bacon or omit it entirely. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the recipe completely vegetarian-friendly.

• Is this soup considered healthy?

While delicious, this soup is relatively high in calories and fat due to cream, milk, and cheese. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to decrease overall calorie content.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup. They have a starchy texture that helps create a creamy consistency and absorbs flavors wonderfully during cooking.

Classic Old-Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty classic old-fashioned loaded potato soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, packed with creamy goodness and rich flavor. Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onions crown this soul-warming bowl that promises delicious memories with each spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 6 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Thickening Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor foundation by melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium warmth, infusing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately one minute.
2. Transform the base by incorporating flour, whisking diligently to eliminate potential lumps and developing a golden-hued roux through consistent stirring for 2-3 minutes.
3. Gradually introduce chicken broth, whisking methodically to ensure a smooth liquid consistency, then elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a gentle bubbling point.
4. Gently submerge diced potatoes into the simmering liquid, reducing heat and allowing them to tenderize for 15-20 minutes until they can be effortlessly pierced with a fork.
5. Enrich the soup’s texture by streaming in heavy cream and milk, carefully warming the liquid without permitting it to reach a full boil.
6. Integrate savory elements including crumbled turkey bacon, sliced green onions, and grated cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and distributes evenly throughout the soup.
7. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference and ensuring a harmonious taste profile.
8. Transfer the velvety soup into serving bowls, embellishing with additional crispy turkey bacon fragments, fresh green onion slices, and a delicate cheese sprinkle.
9. Present piping hot, inviting diners to savor the comforting and robust potato soup.

Notes

• Roux mastery matters most when creating a smooth, lump-free soup base, so whisk continuously and maintain medium heat during flour cooking.
• Potato selection impacts texture, with starchy russet potatoes delivering the creamiest results compared to waxy varieties.
• Consider alternative protein options like crispy plant-based bacon for vegetarian versions or smoked tempeh crumbles to maintain rich flavor profiles.
• Temperature control prevents cream separation, so avoid boiling after adding dairy and gently warm the soup to preserve silky consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg