🥔 Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon

🥔 Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon

🥔 Loaded Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon

Creamy. Cheesy. Hearty. Fully Loaded.

This is the soup that hugs you from the inside. Thick, creamy, loaded with potatoes, cheddar, green onions, and crispy bacon — it’s giving restaurant vibes with homemade soul. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you simply deserve a bowl of comfort.

⏱ Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Servings: 6

🛒 Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon (plus more for topping if you like extra!)

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)

  • 5 cups russet potatoes, peeled & cubed (about 2½ lbs)

  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup sour cream

Toppings

  • Crispy bacon, chopped

  • Extra shredded cheddar

  • Green onions, sliced

  • Optional: dollop of sour cream, cracked black pepper

👩🏽🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon
    In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Chop once cooled. Leave 1–2 tbsp bacon grease in the pot.

  2. Build the base
    Add butter, onions, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

  3. Thicken it up
    Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute to make a roux.

  4. Add liquids
    Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking to prevent lumps.

  5. Add potatoes + seasoning
    Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

  6. Mash for texture
    Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup (keep some chunky!)

  7. Finish creamy & cheesy
    Stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth.

  8. Serve & top
    Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions.

🔥 Flavor Tips

  • Want more Cajun vibes? Add a sprinkle of Cajun or Creole seasoning.

  • Like it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

  • Make it extra thick by mashing more potatoes or adding 1 extra tbsp flour to the base.

🍽 What to Serve With It

  • Crusty bread or garlic toast

  • Side salad

  • Grilled cheese for ultimate comfort