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This easy creamy loaded Potato Soup recipe is so good! It’s loaded with hearty potatoes and savory, crunchy bacon in a creamy base made without using heavy cream. This quick, 30-minute recipe is a total comfort food that you’ll make over and over again.

Loaded baked Potato soup in a bowl topped with cheese, sour cream and cheese.

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We love easy creamy soups all year long, like fresh Corn Chowder, New England Style Clam Chowder, and this baked Potato Soup, because they are simple to make and are hearty enough to serve as the main course, paired with crusty Sourdough or French Bread

The Best Potato Soup Recipe

This creamy, homemade potato soup is one of our favorite restaurant copycat recipes. It’s so easy to make from scratch and beats any restaurant soup. The base is so filling that it’s like a delicious loaded baked potato with all your favorite toppings or Loaded Potato Casserole, but in soup form–yes, please!

You’ll love how we thicken this potato soup! Instead of using heavy cream, we make a roux (a mixture of butter, flour, broth, and milk). So it’s creamy without the extra calories in the cream.

Potato soup is perfect for meal prep since it keeps well in the fridge and freezer and can be saved in portion sizes for a quick and easy meal.

Ingredients for Potato Soup

The soup uses ingredients you most likely already have at home and can be made so quickly. Whip it up as a satisfying meal on a busy weeknight evening or serve it as a comforting weekend meal.

  • Bacon – crumbled bacon is the traditional potato soap ingredient, but you can substitute cubed ham if desired.
  • Potatoes – our favorite potatoes for soup are Russet or Idaho potatoes but Yukon gold potatoes also work well. NOTE: If you’re using Yukon potatoes, the skin may be left on.
  • Vegetables – we only added onion and garlic, you can add cubed carrots and celery in step 3.
  • Broth – a roux thickens the soup with butter, flour, broth, and milk. We add sour cream for a bit of acid and creaminess. Chicken broth or vegetable broth works fine here. For a Gluten Free potato soup, you can substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour.
  • Cheese – Mild cheddar or sharp cheddar is great. Try to grate the cheese yourself, since pre-shredded cheese is coated to keep it from sticking, but shredded will work in a pinch.
Potato soup made with potatoes, bacon and cheese in a Dutch oven with a ladle and topped with greens and cheese.

Pro Tip:

For a spicy kick in the soup, add a 1/4 tsp (or to taste) of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, smokey paprika, or chili powder.

How to Make Potato Soup

It’s simple to make this potato soup recipe for a weeknight meal or meal prep, but see our tip below for achieving the best consistency.

  1. Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water, season with salt, and cook until tender then drain.
  2. Saute bacon until crispy in a separate Dutch oven, remove and set aside, reserving 1 Tbsp bacon grease.
  3. Add onions and butter to the bacon grease and saute until soft. Add garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in flour, milk, and broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a soft boil.
  5. Add drained potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in sour cream, cheese and bacon. Bring to a boil then remove from heat. 
Step-by-step collage how to make dinner in a Dutch Oven

Pro Tip:

We like a chunky soup, but you can adjust the thickness by blending a portion or all of the soup. Before adding the bacon into the pot in step 6, use an immersion blender or scoop some of the hot soup into a blender and blend to get the creamy texture you prefer.

Toppings for Potato Soup

Serve this easy potato soup recipe with your favorite toppings! We like to make it a truly loaded soup, so here are some of my favorite options:

  • Bacon bits
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Diced avocado
  • Cooked kernels of boiled corn
  • Croutons
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Green onion or chives

What to Serve with Potato Soup

This hearty meal is thick and creamy and perfect for feeding a hungry family. To make it a more complete meal, try these side dishes that perfectly complement the warm soup:

Two bowls of soup topped with a spoon and potato soup toppings.

Loaded baked potato soup is comfort food at its finest. You’re going to love the combination of flavors in the soup. Every bite is loaded with creamy soup with chunks of potatoes, bacon, and cheese.

Storage

Loaded baked potato soup keeps well in the refrigerator and the freezer. Let the soap completely before storing.

  • To Refrigerate: Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container
  • Freezing: divide into portion sizes and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months
  • To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in a pot on the stove until heated through. You can slowly add more milk to get a creamier consistency.

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

I love easy and quick but tasty meals for weeknight dinners, like this potato soup. Once you try this one, check out these other easy dinner ideas:

Potato Soup Recipe

4.97 from 434 votes
Author: Valentina Ablaev
Potato Soup garnished with cheese, chives, bacon and sour cream in a pot
You'll love this easy recipe for creamy Loaded Potato Soup. We skip the heavy cream and use a roux (flour, butter, broth, and milk) to thicken the soup. The chunks of potatoes and savory bacon bits in this cheesy soup base are so warming and satisfying. Add in a bit of sour cream and your favorite baked potato toppings to make this a pure comfort food!
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 servings (about 2 cups per serving)
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 8 oz bacon, bite-sized pieces
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ med onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour, or use Gluten Free 1:1 flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup mild or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp pepper, or to taste
  • green onions, to serve

Instructions

  • Place sliced potatoes into a stockpot and completely cover with 1" of water. Season with ½ tsp salt and cook 8-10 minutes or until potatoes pierce easily with a knife then drain. 
  • Meanwhile, saute bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy and then transfer to a plate, reserving 1 Tbsp bacon grease in the pot. 
  • Add 4 Tbsp butter and chopped onions then saute until tender. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. 
  • Quickly whisk in the flour then slowly add 2 1/2 cups milk and 2 1/2 cups broth, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a soft boil. 
  • Add drained potatoes and season soup with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper or season to taste. 
  • Stir in 3/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and half of your cooked bacon (reserving the rest for serving). Bring to a boil then remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings. 

Notes

-Peeled Russet potatoes work best, but Yukon Gold Potatoes work well too. You can choose not to peel the Yukon Gold Potatoes.
-For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or scoop half the into a blender to smooth before adding the bacon in step 6.
-Topping Ideas: bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheese, croutons, avocado, chives, green onion, grilled corn kernels
-Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. To thaw, move to the fridge overnight or thaw in a pot on the stove by heating slowly until cooked through.
 

Nutrition Per Serving

428kcal Calories30g Carbs22g Protein25g Fat14g Saturated Fat65mg Cholesterol1632mg Sodium877mg Potassium3g Fiber6g Sugar770IU Vitamin A17.4mg Vitamin C335mg Calcium5.3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Potato Soup Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
428
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Cholesterol
 
65
mg
22
%
Sodium
 
1632
mg
71
%
Potassium
 
877
mg
25
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
22
g
44
%
Vitamin A
 
770
IU
15
%
Vitamin C
 
17.4
mg
21
%
Calcium
 
335
mg
34
%
Iron
 
5.3
mg
29
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: potato soup, potato soup recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 428
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Valentina Ablaev

I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!

Read more posts by Valentina

4.97 from 434 votes (332 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Robyn
    February 29, 2024

    This soup is AMAZING! This was my first time making potato soup, and it did not disappoint. My only changes were I used salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and a bay leaf as my seasonings. And I added a block of cream cheese for added creaminess. Also, I have picky kids, so I grated the onion instead of dicing it.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 29, 2024

      Hi Robyn! That’s great. Thank you for sharing your experience with the recipe.

      Reply

  • Feven Taffere-Eddy
    February 29, 2024

    Every time I need to refer to a recipe I always come to this page and I am never disappointed. Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 29, 2024

      I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you!

      Reply

  • David
    February 19, 2024

    Hi Natasha, i do not usually change anything in your recipes, but i am wondering if i could add 1/2 lb of mushrooms to this. If so how and when. Thanks

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 19, 2024

      Hi David. I’ve never tested that in this soup but I don’t see why not. I would add them towards the end since it doesn’t take long for them to cook.

      Reply

  • Magda
    February 17, 2024

    Hello, I just made the Loaded Potato soup again and it never fails, it’s so yummy!!!
    Thank you so much! It’s one of our favorites!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 17, 2024

      You’re very welcome! I’m so glad it’s being enjoyed.

      Reply

  • Georgia Clark
    February 1, 2024

    So delicious ! Question…can you freeze potato soup? I’m pretty sure you can’t but thought I’d ask anyway. I love all your recipes so far! Yummy one and all!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 1, 2024

      Hi Georgia, I haven’t tried myself to advise on the true outcome, but I think that would work fine to freeze. I hope you love it!

      Reply

    • Magda
      February 17, 2024

      I’ve made the soup several times and you can definitely freeze it. I use ziplock bags, super convenient! The soup is so delicious!

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        February 17, 2024

        Thank you for sharing, Magda!

        Reply

  • Ang
    January 24, 2024

    Question! How long is it good for in the fridge in airtight container? It was delicious!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 24, 2024

      Hi Ang! It refrigerates well for 3-4 days.

      Reply

  • Mary
    January 11, 2024

    I appreciate you putting the measurements into the instructions. Makes it alot easier instead of scrolling back up all the time. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 11, 2024

      You’re welcome, Mary! I’m so glad that’s helpful!

      Reply

  • Tish
    January 4, 2024

    This is delicious! Used leftovery ham instead of bacon and it was most definitely a winner. Will certainly make again.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 5, 2024

      Great to hear that you loved it!

      Reply

  • Cris
    December 20, 2023

    I’m giving 5 stars becuase I’ve made it beofre and know its awesome. QUESTION though.
    I only have heavy cream, I’m out of milk and don’t want to go to the store. Will heavy cream be OK in place of the milk or will it be too thick?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 20, 2023

      Hi Cris! Heavy cream creates a really rich and thick broth. You can add some water to your heavy cream to thin it out.

      Reply

  • Jeanene
    December 19, 2023

    Thank you for the recipe for loaded potato soup. I have made several of your recipes and have enjoyed them all. This soup was wonderful. 5 stars.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 19, 2023

      Hi Jeanene! I’m so glad you are loving the recipes and so glad you loved this one! Thank you.

      Reply

  • Mary
    December 16, 2023

    The best Loaded Potato Soup.
    I followed the recipe to a T except for the salt. I did not add salt due to the bacon. My husband usually salts everything and I asked if he needed salt and he said no. This was a first. Thank you for the recipe and Please continue to share your recipes.
    Thank you
    God bless you and your family

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 16, 2023

      Hi Mary! I’m so glad you’re loving the recipe. Thank you so much for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Mary
    December 16, 2023

    The Best Loaded Potato Soup. I followed the Recipe to a T except for, I did not add salt. My husband salt’s everything. He said that this did not need salt due to the bacon.
    Thank you Natasha for sharing your recipes. God Bless you and your family. Please keep the recipes coming.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 16, 2023

      I’m so glad you both loved this recipe, Mary! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! Merry Christmas!

      Reply

  • Cindy
    December 15, 2023

    Delicious soup! I wouldn’t change a single thing in the recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 15, 2023

      So glad you loved this recipe, Cindy!

      Reply

  • Jocelyn
    November 30, 2023

    I just love all of your recipes that I have tried. This potato soup is next. Could you please tell me what the serving size is? Thanks, I cook for some families and the portion size would help.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 30, 2023

      Hi Jocelyn! Sorry, I don’t have the exact measurement. This serves 6, bowls.

      Reply

  • Julie Hanes
    November 27, 2023

    OMG, made this exactly as written, only adding some celery and carrot – it is sooooo delicious!!!!!!!! I will make this again and again – thank you Natasha❤️‼️‼️‼️

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 27, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Julie!

      Reply

  • Susan
    November 26, 2023

    Omggg this recipe was so delicious. I like the idea of cooking the potatoes and then adding them to the roux. My son and I follow your Facebook page and we make a lot of your recipes have a wonderful holiday and thank you so so much.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 26, 2023

      So glad to hear that you both enjoyed this soup! Thank you for the good feedback, Susan.

      Reply

  • Andrea
    November 18, 2023

    Sooo happy I found this recipe! So easy to make, so quick and it was unbelievably delicious. It’s now a family favorite. Thank you Natasha for sharing your delicious recipes.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 18, 2023

      Hi Andrea! You’re very welcome. I’m glad you love it.

      Reply

  • Jennifer
    November 15, 2023

    Hi there! I made this last night. It was fabulous. I did it in the crockpot. I cooked the potatoes and onions on high for about 4 hours (I also added carrots and celery) in the chicken broth, and when they were done I used the cooked broth to make the roux with the bacon grease/butter/flour/milk. I mixed it altogether with the prepared bacon and cooked for another hour or so, and it was delightful. Lots of leftovers for tonight too! Thanks for sharing this recipe – it was fabulous!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 15, 2023

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Jennifer! I’m so glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Andrea
    November 10, 2023

    This is a new favorite for our family! So delicious and creamy, not to mention very easy to make.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 10, 2023

      I’m so glad to hear that, Andrea!

      Reply

  • PATRICIA J BRAGG
    November 8, 2023

    Very disappointed. I should have gone with my instinct and NOT added the cheese. I don’t know why so many newer recipes want cheese in them. I thought this was rather bland and will not keep the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 8, 2023

      Hi Patricia, did you add seasonings to taste? Sometimes not adding enough salt is enough to make a soup seem bland.

      Reply

    • Jennifer
      November 10, 2023

      Patricia, it’s delicious as is. It’s potato soup. It’s loaded potato soup. I feel like you’re just trolling. I just made it as is for the second time.

      Reply

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