Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon, ham, and hearty potatoes — the ultimate comfort in a bowl.
🍲 Servings: 8
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 55 minutes
🧂 Dietary Info: Contains dairy, gluten, and pork
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Bacon
Chopped onion
Chicken broth
Baking potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk
Salt
Black pepper
Cooked ham (diced)
Sour cream
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Green onions (sliced)
👩🍳 Instructions
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp (about 6–7 minutes). Drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside. Reserve 2 tbsp of bacon drippings in the pan.
Sauté the Onion
Cook chopped onion in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat for 6 minutes or until almost tender.
Boil Potatoes
In a large Dutch oven, combine sautéed onion, chicken broth, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are very tender.
Make the Roux
In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking until smooth. Heat until slightly thickened.
Combine & Thicken Soup
Add the roux to the potato mixture. Stir in remaining milk, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
Add Flavor
Stir in diced ham, half the crumbled bacon, sour cream, 2 cups cheddar cheese, and ½ cup green onions. Simmer until cheese melts and soup is heated through.
Serve & Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions.
✨ Quick Intro
This loaded potato soup is everything a cozy meal should be — rich, comforting, and brimming with bold flavors. A favorite for cold nights or game day gatherings, this recipe turns humble ingredients into a decadent bowl of warmth.
🥄 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Key Ingredients:
Baking Potatoes: Russets work best for their starchiness and soft texture when boiled.
Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor. Pre-shredded works, but shredding fresh cheese melts better.
Sour Cream: Adds creamy tang and richness.
Substitutions:
No sour cream? Use plain Greek yogurt.
Prefer vegetarian? Skip bacon and ham, and use veggie broth.
Need gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
With Bread: Pair with crusty bread, biscuits, or a bread bowl.
Toppings Bar: Let guests add extra cheese, green onions, hot sauce, or jalapeños.
Make It a Meal: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.
🧊 Storage & Reheat Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Yes, but texture may change slightly due to dairy. Freeze in portions up to 2 months.
Reheat: Gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of milk to loosen consistency if needed.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently and stir well.
Q: Can I leave out the ham or bacon?
A: Yes, but the soup will be less savory. You can boost flavor with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Q: What’s the best potato for this soup?
A: Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal — they break down nicely for a creamy texture.
📝 Final Notes
This soup hits all the right notes — creamy, savory, cheesy, and loaded with texture. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cozying up on a rainy day, this recipe’s a keeper.
📌 Tags
loaded potato soup, comfort food, creamy soup, cheddar potato soup, bacon recipes, ham soup, cold weather recipes, easy dinner, one pot meal, make-ahead soup, gluten, dairy, pork, hearty soup, cozy meal