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Close-up of creamy loaded cheesy potato soup with melted cheese and bacon

Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

This Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and packed with hearty flavor! Tender potatoes are simmered in a velvety cheese broth, then topped with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheddar for a cozy, satisfying bowl. Perfect for cold nights, this easy soup is pure comfort in every spoonful!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 410 kcal

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

Instructions  

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.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture.
  • Substitute part of the cream with milk or half-and-half to lighten it up.
  • Cook bacon until crisp before adding for deeper flavor.
  • Blend part of the soup for a smooth base, then stir in chunks for texture.
  • Use shredded cheddar or a mix of cheeses for rich flavor.
  • Add chopped green onions or chives for color and freshness.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.
  • Freeze without cheese or sour cream, then add fresh when reheating.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 410
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 850mg
Potassium: 950mg
Calcium: 220mg
Iron: 1.8mg
Keyword Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe