Loaded Potato Soup with Bacon (Print Version)

A velvety blend of russet potatoes, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon for ultimate comfort in a bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Base & Dairy

05 - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
06 - 1 cup whole or 2% milk
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

→ Meats

09 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Oils & Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
03 - Stir in diced potatoes and pour in broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
04 - Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend half the soup and leave the remainder chunky for texture.
05 - Stir in milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy, approximately 5 minutes.
06 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and any optional toppings desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you've been tending it all day.
  • You can make it as smooth or chunky as you like, depending on your mood.
  • Toppings turn each bowl into a personal creation.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, which almost never happens with soup.
02 -
  • Don't let the soup boil after you add the cheese or it can get grainy and break.
  • If it's too thick, thin it out with a splash of broth or milk, not water.
  • Taste before serving, potatoes soak up salt so you might need more than you think.
03 -
  • Cook the bacon in the oven on a sheet pan at 400°F for even crispiness and less mess.
  • If you don't have an immersion blender, scoop half the soup into a regular blender, puree it, then stir it back in.
  • For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular.
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