Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of creamy Soup on a cold day. This Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe is rich, filling, and easy to make. You can make it in one pot with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s comfort food at its best smooth potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon in every bite.

At HomeandFiesta, we love Recipes that bring the family together. This one’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you just want something cozy.

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup checks every box for comfort food.

• It’s creamy and full of flavor.
• It’s made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
• It’s easy to prepare and ready in under an hour.
• You can adjust it for any diet or taste.

Families love it because it’s cozy and filling. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Serve it with breadsticks, a green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.

Ingredients for Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup

You don’t need anything fancy. Just fresh, basic ingredients.

For the Soup Base

• 4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Flavor and Texture

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tips:

• Yukon Gold potatoes give a naturally creamy texture.
• Use pre-cooked bacon bits if you’re short on time.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.

How to Make Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup

This soup takes about 35–40 minutes from start to finish. Follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Place the bacon in a large pot and cook over medium heat. When crispy, remove it and place it on a paper towel. Leave about one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot — it adds flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add butter and olive oil to the pot. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

You can blend half the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender. This makes it thick and smooth but still keeps some chunks of potato for texture.

Step 5: Add Milk and Cream

Pour in the milk and cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Don’t boil it after adding the cheese — just warm enough to melt evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Add crumbled bacon, green onions, extra cheese, and a spoon of sour cream on top. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Quick Tip: If the soup feels too thick, add a bit more broth or milk until you get your preferred texture.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Potato Soup

Good soup is all about the small details.

• Use sharp cheddar cheese. It melts well and adds bold flavor.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes. They should be soft but not falling apart.
• Add toppings just before serving. It keeps the bacon crisp and the soup fresh-looking.
• Taste before adding more salt. The cheese and bacon already add saltiness.
• Double the batch. This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

Variation ideas:

• Add cooked ham or shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Stir in steamed broccoli for a vegetable twist.
• Use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Nutrition Benefits

This soup is hearty and satisfying, but it also has some nutritional value.

• Potatoes are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
• Cheese provides calcium and protein, which are good for bones and muscles.
• Milk and cream add energy and make the soup filling.
• Green onions add freshness and antioxidants.

If you want a lighter version, you can:

• Use low-fat cheese.
• Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk.
• Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika for flavor.

Here’s a rough estimate per serving:

It’s a balanced meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables can round it out nicely.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This soup is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it all week.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
• Freeze: You can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly because of the dairy. Stir well when reheating.

Tip: Freeze the soup without cheese or cream, then add them later when reheating. This keeps it smooth.

FAQs About Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. Make it a day before and store it in the fridge. The flavors blend even better overnight.

Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the potatoes, onion, garlic, and broth on low for 6 hours. Add the cream, cheese, and toppings at the end.

What’s the best potato for this soup?
Yukon Gold and Russet are both good. Yukon Golds give a creamy texture, while Russets make it thicker.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Why did my soup curdle?
That happens if you boil it after adding cheese or cream. Keep the heat low while mixing them in.

Serving Suggestions

Make the most of your bowl of soup with these simple pairings:

• Crusty Bread: Garlic bread or sourdough is great for dipping.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the creamy soup.
• Toppings Bar: Let everyone add their favorite toppings bacon, cheese, chives, or hot sauce.

If you’re serving guests, sprinkle a bit of paprika or black pepper on top before serving. It looks great and adds color.

Conclusion

This Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe is simple, filling, and made with love. You don’t need fancy tools or special skills. Just a pot, a few ingredients, and about 40 minutes.

It’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, or meal prep. Once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it.

Try it tonight and see why it’s one of HomeandFiesta’s favorite comfort soups.

And if you enjoy this recipe, check out our Cozy Potato Onion Soup Recipe and Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup. Both are cozy, simple, and perfect for the same comfort-food craving.