Easy Old-Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup – Comfort in Every Spoonful!

This Easy Old-Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food! With creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and all your favorite toppings, this soup is a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking for a cozy dinner, this soup will hit the spot. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe! 😋🍽️

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Creamy & Hearty – A rich, comforting soup packed with tender potatoes.
✅ Loaded with Flavor – Bacon, cheese, and sour cream take this soup to the next level!
✅ Simple Ingredients – Easy-to-find ingredients make this soup a breeze to prepare.
✅ Perfect for Any Season – Great for cozy winter nights or a satisfying meal any time of year!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering, loaded potato soup:

For the Soup Base:

• 🥔 4 large potatoes – Peeled and diced
• 🧅 1 medium onion – Chopped
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic – Minced
• 🧴 4 cups chicken broth – Or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
• 🧂 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste
• 🌶️ ½ teaspoon black pepper – For seasoning
• 🧈 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the soup
• 🧀 1 cup milk – For a creamy texture (use heavy cream for an extra creamy version)

For the Toppings (Loaded Style!):

• 🥓 ½ cup crispy bacon – Crumbled
• 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Or a blend of cheeses
• 🍶 ½ cup sour cream – For that creamy, tangy finish
• 🌱 Chopped green onions – Fresh and colorful garnish

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💡 Substitutions & Variations:

✔️ Vegetarian Option – Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon for a veggie-friendly version.
✔️ Extra Creamy – Swap milk for heavy cream for an ultra-creamy texture.
✔️ Dairy-Free – Use almond milk or coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.
✔️ Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of cayenne or jalapeños for a spicy kick! 🌶️

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Potatoes & Aromatics

1️⃣ Cook the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
2️⃣ Sauté the Onion & Garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3️⃣ Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the diced potatoes, salt, and pepper, cooking until the potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some of the potatoes for a creamy consistency while leaving some chunks for texture.

🥄 Step 2: Make It Creamy

1️⃣ Stir in the Milk: Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat and stir in the milk. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens.
2️⃣ Mash Some Potatoes: For a thicker soup, lightly mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher to create a creamy texture.

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🥓 Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

1️⃣ Crisp the Bacon: In a small pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and crumble.
2️⃣ Shred the Cheese: While the soup simmers, shred the cheddar cheese for topping.

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🍴 Step 4: Assemble & Serve

1️⃣ Serve the Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with a generous spoonful of sour cream, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
2️⃣ Optional Garnishes: Add extra cheese or bacon as a topping for more flavor!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This soup is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:

🍞 Serve with Bread – Pair with a warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread.
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the soup.
🌶️ Toppings Galore – Add more crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or even jalapeños for extra flavor!

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers:
📦 Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
❄️ For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:
🔥 On the Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
🍲 In the Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

💡 Pro Tip: To keep the soup from getting too thick after reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make this soup a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. 😋

2️⃣ Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove.

3️⃣ How Can I Make This Soup Spicy?
For a spicy twist, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the potatoes. You can also top the soup with hot sauce or spicy cheese!

4️⃣ Can I Use Other Potatoes?
Yukon gold potatoes work great in this soup as they’re naturally creamy. Russet potatoes also work well but may require a bit more mashing to reach that creamy texture.

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🍲 Conclusion – The Ultimate Comfort Soup!

This Easy Old-Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a family gathering, this hearty, creamy soup will keep everyone coming back for seconds! 🥔🍽️

Loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and topped with sour cream and green onions, this soup is a flavor explosion in every spoonful! Try it today and let me know how it turns out. 😍🔥

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Let me know if you’d like to adjust or add anything! 😊