Loaded Down Potato Soup
A hearty loaded potato soup featuring tender potatoes, savory onions, celery, and melted cheddar, topped with crispy bacon bits—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions and celery in butter until tender.
- Dice potatoes and cook in a small amount of water until tender.
- Add the cooked onions and celery to the potatoes.
- Stir in cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Cook the mixture for about 15 minutes.
- Add Cheddar cheese soup and stir well.
- Sprinkle with bacon bits before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of cream, or add a splash of milk. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding some cooked, crumbled bacon directly into the soup rather than just as a topping. You can also incorporate leftover baked potatoes for added depth. If you're short on time, pre-cooked potatoes can speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Loaded Down Potato Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh chives or parsley along with the bacon bits. This soup pairs beautifully with Barbecued String Beans for a hearty American meal. It’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens, add a little water or milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Loaded Down Potato Soup contains roughly 455 calories, with 13g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (168% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon bits and using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the potatoes. Also, ensure that the cream and Cheddar cheese soup you choose are vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the onions and celery. You can also top the soup with a dash of hot sauce or serve it with sliced fresh peppers for those who enjoy more spice.
Can I freeze this potato soup?
While freezing potato soup is possible, the texture may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the cream and cheese soup, adding them upon reheating. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).