Loaded Potato Soup
Creamy loaded potato soup with cheesy, garlicky flavors and crispy bacon bits, perfect for comforting gatherings or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Put the chopped potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic, chives, instant potatoes, and diced bacon into a large pot.
- Cook the mixture until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Loaded Potato Soup, consider roasting the potatoes before adding them to the pot. This will give them a nice depth of flavor. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or even turkey bacon as a lighter substitute. For a creamier texture, add more sour cream or use cream cheese instead. You can also try adding some shredded carrots for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Loaded Potato Soup with a sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese and fresh chives on top for an appealing presentation. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Cheesy Meatloaf or Chili Pork Chops for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Loaded Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until hot. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Loaded Potato Soup contains roughly 177 calories, with 10g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen potatoes for this soup?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes to save time. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing. Keep in mind that they may require a little extra cooking time to become tender.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make Loaded Potato Soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also enhance the flavors with additional herbs, like thyme or rosemary, and add some sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will lend a similar tang and creaminess. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you prefer a non-dairy option.
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).