Loaded Potato Soup – All Your Favorite Baked Potato Flavors in a Bowl

This Loaded Potato Soup brings all the delicious, comforting flavors of a baked potato into a creamy, warm soup. 🍽️ With a blend of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and fresh green onions, every spoonful is packed with flavor! Whether it’s a cold winter day or just a cozy night in, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into this rich and indulgent recipe! 😋

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Comfort in a Bowl – A creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly nights.
✅ Packed with Flavor – Think of a loaded baked potato, but in soup form!
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy all week!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Loaded Potato Soup:

🥔 For the Soup Base:

• 4 large potatoes 🥔 (peeled and diced)
• 1 small onion 🧅 (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic 🧄 (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth 🍗
• 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
• 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️ (optional, for extra flavor)

🧀 For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
• ½ cup crispy bacon 🍽️ (crumbled)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions 🧅
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)
• A sprinkle of extra paprika (for garnish)

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💡 Substitutions & Variations:

✔️ Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
✔️ Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk if you prefer a lighter soup.
✔️ Add more toppings like jalapeños for spice, or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
✔️ Make it gluten-free by ensuring your broth is gluten-free.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

1️⃣ Peel and dice the potatoes into small chunks. This helps them cook faster and evenly.
2️⃣ In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3️⃣ Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they’re softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
4️⃣ Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

💡 Pro Tip: You can test the potatoes by poking them with a fork; they should easily break apart when done.

🍲 Step 2: Blend the Soup Base

1️⃣ Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker, creamier texture.
2️⃣ If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree it entirely. Otherwise, leave some chunks for texture!
3️⃣ Stir in the heavy cream and paprika (optional). Let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

💡 Pro Tip: For an ultra-creamy soup, add a little extra heavy cream or use a splash of milk.

🥓 Step 3: Add Toppings & Final Touches

1️⃣ Ladle the soup into bowls, then top each with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream (optional).
2️⃣ For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little more paprika or black pepper on top.

💡 Pro Tip: Warm the bowls in the oven for a couple of minutes before serving for an even cozier feel!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Loaded Potato Soup is fantastic on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your meal:

🥖 With crusty bread – Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
🥗 With a fresh salad – A crisp green salad can balance the creamy richness of the soup.
🍽️ As a main dish – This hearty soup is filling enough to be the star of your meal.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool before storing!

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

💡 Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as usual.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Loaded Potato Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Make it a day ahead, store in the fridge, and simply reheat before serving.

2️⃣ Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all the ingredients (except for cream and toppings) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Then stir in the cream and top as desired.

3️⃣ Can I use frozen potatoes?

While fresh potatoes are recommended, frozen diced potatoes can work in a pinch! Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and check for desired texture.

4️⃣ Is this soup spicy?

It’s not overly spicy, but you can add some cayenne pepper or jalapeños for a kick if you prefer a spicier version. 🌶️

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🍽️ Conclusion – A Comforting Classic!

This Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort. 🍲 With its creamy texture, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness, it brings all the flavors you love about baked potatoes into one warm, satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it as a family meal, a cozy dinner, or a comforting lunch, it’s sure to be a hit! 😍🔥

Enjoy this soup with your favorite toppings, and let me know what you think!