Creamy Loaded Potato Soup

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

This comforting potato soup combines tender potatoes and vegetables in a creamy base, finished with classic loaded baked potato toppings for extra flavor.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:29:12 GMT
A bowl of creamy potato soup garnished with diced bacon, chives, and red pepper flakes, accompanied by a plate of sliced potatoes. Pin it
A bowl of creamy potato soup garnished with diced bacon, chives, and red pepper flakes, accompanied by a plate of sliced potatoes. | recipesim.com

My Cozy Potato Soup

This soup reminds me of snowy evenings at my grandmother's house. The combination of creamy potatoes tender vegetables and that rich broth creates pure comfort in a bowl. My family gathers around as soon as they smell it simmering and everyone gets to customize their bowl with their favorite toppings.

A variety of fresh ingredients including carrots, celery, potatoes, bacon, shallots, and dairy products are arranged on a countertop. Pin it
A variety of fresh ingredients including carrots, celery, potatoes, bacon, shallots, and dairy products are arranged on a countertop. | recipesim.com

Simple Yet Special

What I love about this soup is how it transforms basic ingredients into something magical. You probably have everything you need right now in your kitchen. The creamy base becomes a canvas for toppings we love piling on cheese and bacon but everyone can make it their own.

What You'll Need

  • Russet potatoes: They make it extra creamy.
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweet depth.
  • Carrots: For natural sweetness.
  • Celery: Gives great flavor.
  • Chicken broth: Use low sodium.
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Butter: For the roux base.
  • Flour: Thickens perfectly.
  • Milk: Whole milk works best.
  • Sour cream: Makes it extra rich.
  • Toppings: Cheese bacon green onions.

Let's Make It Together

Start with Veggies
Chop everything combine with broth and seasonings.
Cook Until Perfect
Simmer until potatoes are just tender.
Make it Creamy
Create your roux it's easier than you think.
Blend it Up
Make it as smooth or chunky as you like.
Final Touch
Stir in sour cream add your favorite toppings.
A collage of four images showing the process of making a creamy soup, including stirring a saucepan with a whisk, simmering a pot, and adding chopped vegetables. Pin it
A collage of four images showing the process of making a creamy soup, including stirring a saucepan with a whisk, simmering a pot, and adding chopped vegetables. | recipesim.com

My Best Tips

Russet potatoes really do make the best soup. Watch them carefully you don't want mashed potato soup. Room temp dairy prevents curdling and don't skimp on those toppings.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I stir sharp cheddar right into the soup. Adding peas or corn brings color and variety. Try it in bread bowls my kids love that. And leftover chili mixed in makes an amazing lunch the next day.

A red pot filled with creamy soup topped with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, accompanied by slices of bread and garnishes. Pin it
A red pot filled with creamy soup topped with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, accompanied by slices of bread and garnishes. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why dice potatoes small?

Small potato cubes (about 3/4-inch) cook faster and more evenly. They also help create a creamier texture as they break down into the soup.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but the soup will thicken as it sits. When reheating, thin with milk or water to reach desired consistency.

→ Can I substitute the sour cream?

Heavy cream or half and half can be used instead of sour cream for a different but equally delicious creamy texture.

→ Why use Russet potatoes?

Russet potatoes are starchy and break down easily, helping to naturally thicken the soup while maintaining a creamy texture.

→ Are toppings necessary?

While optional, toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions add flavor and texture that make it taste like a loaded baked potato.

Potato Soup

A creamy, hearty potato soup with carrots, celery, and onions, topped like a loaded baked potato with bacon, cheese, and green onions.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings (1 large pot)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 6 cups peeled and diced Russet potatoes.
02 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion.
03 1 1/4 cups peeled and diced carrots.
04 1 cup diced celery.
05 2 (14.5 oz each) cans low-sodium chicken broth.
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper.
07 1/3 cup butter.
08 1/3 cup all-purpose flour.
09 2 1/2 cups milk.
10 1/2 cup sour cream.
11 Optional toppings: bacon/ham, cheddar cheese, green onions.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine diced potatoes, carrots, celery and onions with chicken broth in a large pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 02

Cover pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat (about 10 minutes), then reduce to medium and cook 15-20 minutes until potatoes are very soft.

Step 03

Meanwhile, melt butter over medium heat, add flour and cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly.

Step 04

While whisking, slowly add milk and cook, stirring constantly until mixture begins thicken.

Step 05

Once potatoes are soft add thickened milk mixture to soup and stir until potatoes start breaking down.

Step 06

Add sour cream and mix well.

Step 07

Ladle into bowls and top with optional bacon/ham, cheese and green onions.

Notes

  1. Can substitute heavy cream or half and half for sour cream.
  2. Soup will thicken as it rests - thin with milk or water if needed.
  3. Nutrition info does not include optional toppings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Medium saucepan.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 12 g