Loaded Potato Soup is the kind of cozy, creamy meal that makes you look forward to cooler weather. It's rich and satisfying, filled with chunks of tender potato, smoky bacon, and just the right amount of heat. This comforting classic is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share with family on a lazy weekend.
It reminds me a lot of my Chipotle Corn Chowder Recipe, another fall favorite when I want something warm and hearty. both soups bring that homemade comfort I grew up with, the kind that fills the kitchen with delicious smells and makes everyone eager to grab a bowl.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Comforting flavor: this creamy potato soup is warm, rich, and full of homemade goodness.
Simple to make: an easy soup recipe that comes together in one pot with everyday ingredients.
Family favorite: bacon, potatoes, and cheese make this a cozy meal everyone looks forward to.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Potato Soup
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Potatoes: the heart of this recipe, they create the rich, thick texture everyone loves.
- Bacon: adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
- Onion and garlic: the aromatic foundation for that homemade taste.
- Chicken broth: keeps the soup flavorful without being heavy.
- Half and half: brings the creamy consistency that makes this bacon potato soup irresistible.
- Flour: thickens the soup just enough for a silky texture.
- Hot sauce: adds a touch of warmth that balances the richness.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use heavy cream instead of half and half for an even richer soup.
- Try turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Substitute vegetable broth to make it meat-free (and skip the bacon)
Variations on Loaded Potato Soup
- Cheesy Loaded Potato Soup: stir in extra shredded cheddar or olby for a bold, cheesy flavor.
- Vegetable Potato Soup: add carrots, celery, and corn for a heartier, veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Bacon Potato Soup: add jalapeno for a fiery kick.
Tips for the Best Bacon Potato Soup
- Mash lightly: leave some chunks of potato for texture.
- Don't rush the simmer: let the soup thicken slowly to develop flavor.
- Use freshly grated cheese: buy the brick cheese and shred yourself for a cheese that will easily melt into the soup.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove top over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to thin it if needed.
Serve With...
Serve Loaded Potato Soup with my Homemade Sweet Dinner Rolls or Air Fryer Garlic Knots to soak up every creamy bite.
More Easy Soup Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy this cozy soup, you'll love my Cheeseburger Soup, Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Sausage, Broccoli Dal, and Pumpkin Sage Soup.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Loaded Potato Soup
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Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon cooked til crisp
- 1 tablespoon bacon fat
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups potatoes peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- salt & pepper to taste
- 2 green onions sliced thinly
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- In large soup pot, cook bacon until well browned and crispy. Transfer to paper towel and reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
- Add onion and garlic to reserved bacon fat in large soup pot. Add potatoes, chicken broth and basil and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- While potatoes are cooking, mix flour with half and half and hot sauce. Set aside.
- Once potatoes are cooked, using potato masher, lightly mash potatoes.
- Stir milk and flour mixture into potato mixture. Cook, stirring constantly until soup starts to bubble and thicken. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve soup topped with crumbled bacon pieces, shredded cheese and green onion.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Made this again today. A long time family favorite that is super easy to make and super flavorful!
Tangled Noodle says
How I wish I had a spoonful (or two) of this incredibly creamy soup! It would hit the spot on these increasingly cold days.
Linda says
I have 10 lbs of potatoes waiting for this. 😉
JennDZ - The Leftover Queen says
This soup looks awesome! I really love it! I think it is the awesome photography that makes it so tasty looking too!
RecipeGirl says
This looks super decadent & delicious. Something I would never make at home, but it always looks good at restaurants!!
Rosabela says
This sounds devine!
That's great that you get along well with your DIL and share recipes with. 🙂
I'm lucky too that have a wonderful MIL who shares with me some of her cooking secrets.
Anonymous says
My husband made me potato soup using your recipe. It was AMAZING. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Kevin says
A baked potato in soup form is a great idea!
Amanda says
O that looks so good and I LOVE that cup! So cute!
Question - what kind of potatoes? Russetts, the more floury kind or boiling potatoes, more like red or yukon? Would love to try this 🙂 Must be soup season! I just posted about a delish corn chowder 🙂