Name: The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced; ½ lb bacon, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup sour cream; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If you’re craving a soul-warming, ultra-creamy bowl of comfort, you’ve just stumbled on The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup recipe. This decadent soup is packed with fluffy potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and all your favorite fixings—making it the ultimate treat for cozy weeknights, chilly weekends, or anytime you need a hearty meal that hits the spot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, this loaded potato soup always delivers. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Creamy and rich texture with bold, comforting flavors in every bite.
Simple, no-fuss ingredients you likely already have at home.
Perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family on busy nights.
Easily customizable with different toppings and add-ins for endless variety.
Ready in just about 45 minutes from scratch—no complicated steps required!

Ingredients for The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ¾-inch cubes
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup sour cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Extra shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

How to Make The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot (discard excess).

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Form the Base

Add butter and melt, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly for 2 minutes to form a light roux, which helps thicken the soup without lumps. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Simmer

Add diced potatoes to the pot. Increase heat and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Pour in the milk (or half-and-half). Using a potato masher, gently mash about half of the potatoes in the pot to make the soup creamy and hearty, leaving plenty of potato chunks for texture.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream

Remove the soup from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup into bowls. Top generously with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Notes for The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

For ultimate creaminess, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
Sautéing the flour until light golden ensures a silky, lump-free soup base (learn more about roux here).
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend (read tips here).

Variations of The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
Spicy: Stir in minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Extra Protein: Add cooked shredded rotisserie chicken before serving.

Required Equipment for Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Large Dutch oven or soup pot
Slotted spoon
Whisk
Potato masher
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board

Storage Instructions for The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Allow soup to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring often. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating). Note: Soup may thicken upon chilling—simply add a splash of milk or broth while reheating.

Serving Recommendations for The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Serve with warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits for dunking.
Pair with a crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
A glass of chilled white wine or sweet iced tea rounds out the meal perfectly.

Pro Tips for The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Shred cheese yourself for the smoothest melt—pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can cause clumps (learn more here).
Don’t over-mash the potatoes if you love texture—leave some chunks for a satisfying bite.
Add a splash of heavy cream just before serving if you crave extra indulgence!

FAQ About The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?: Absolutely! Prepare the soup as directed and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add extra milk if needed.
Can I use red or Yukon gold potatoes instead of russet?: Yes, both work beautifully and offer a slightly different but delicious texture.
How do I thicken or thin the soup?: For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or simmer uncovered to reduce. To thin, stir in extra milk or broth until your desired consistency is reached.

Find more potato nutrition facts at Potato Goodness!

The Best Homemade Loaded Potato Soup