Classic Old Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty, creamy bowl of potato soup. This Classic Old Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup is rich, velvety, and packed with flavors that warm you up from the inside out. 🧑‍🍳🥄 With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a blend of savory seasonings, this soup is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty meal for lunch, this potato soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get started! 🔥😋

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ Creamy & Hearty – A comforting soup with the perfect texture!
✅ Loaded with Flavor – Bacon, cheese, and creamy goodness in every bite!
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps for a delicious meal!
✅ Versatile – Enjoy it as a starter, side dish, or main meal!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic loaded potato soup:

🥔 For the Soup Base:

• 6 large russet potatoes – Peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes 🥔
• 1 medium onion – Chopped 🧅
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced 🧄
• 4 cups chicken broth – Or vegetable broth for a lighter version 🍗
• 2 cups heavy cream – For a rich, velvety texture 🧴
• 2 tablespoons butter – For added flavor 🧈
• 1 teaspoon salt – To taste 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a mild kick 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor 🌿

🧀 For the Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The classic topping 🧀
• 6 slices bacon – Cooked crispy and crumbled 🥓
• ¼ cup chopped green onions – Fresh and flavorful 🌱
• Sour cream – For a tangy finish 🥄
• Extra shredded cheese – For extra cheesy goodness 🧀

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💡 Substitutions & Variations:

✔️ Vegetarian-Friendly – Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a plant-based option.
✔️ Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños for a kick! 🌶️
✔️ Use Half-and-Half – Swap out heavy cream for a lighter version with half-and-half.
✔️ Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version. 🥥

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

1️⃣ Peel and Dice the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
2️⃣ Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside. 🥔

💡 Pro Tip: For extra creamy soup, you can mash the potatoes slightly once they’re cooked to make the soup thicker!

🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Onions & Garlic

1️⃣ Cook the Onions: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. 🧅
2️⃣ Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. 🧄

🍲 Step 3: Build the Soup

1️⃣ Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
2️⃣ Add Potatoes: Add the cooked potatoes to the pot and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. 🍲

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup. Just blend 1/3 of the soup and leave some chunks for texture!

🧴 Step 4: Make it Creamy

1️⃣ Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup cook for another 5–7 minutes until it’s heated through.
2️⃣ Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. 🧂

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This loaded potato soup is perfect on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more delicious:

• Top with Toppings – Add shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate loaded experience! 🧀🥓🌱
• Serve with Bread – Pair with a warm, crusty loaf of bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping! 🍞
• Enjoy with a Side Salad – A fresh salad makes the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy soup. 🥗

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pro Tip: Add a splash of cream or milk while reheating to restore its creamy texture! 🥛

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup stores well, so you can make it a day ahead and reheat it when ready to serve. 😊

2️⃣ Can I Make It in the Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Add the potatoes, onions, garlic, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in the cream and toppings before serving. 🔥

3️⃣ Can I Use Instant Pot for This Soup?
Yes! Use the sauté function to cook the onions and garlic, then add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and let the pressure release naturally before adding the cream.

4️⃣ How Can I Make It Thicker?
Mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the soup. You can also blend a portion of it for a smooth, creamy texture.

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🍲 Conclusion – A Cozy Classic You’ll Love!

This Classic Old Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup is everything you need in a comforting meal—rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor! 🥔🧀 Whether it’s a chilly evening, a weekend lunch, or a cozy family dinner, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. 🌟

Try this classic recipe today and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your favorite toppings! Let me know how it turned out! 😊🍽️