Loaded Potato Soup Recipe (Stovetop, Crockpot, Instant Pot)

Loaded Potato Soup delivers the comforting flavors of a fully loaded baked potato in a creamy, hearty bowl. This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes on the stovetop, with optional Crockpot and Instant Pot methods for flexibility.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy potatoes mingle with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy sour cream for ultimate comfort. Customize the texture from chunky to silky smooth, and it’s perfect for meal prep or freezing. Each bowl satisfies cravings while keeping things simple and delicious.​

Ingredients

Gather these straightforward ingredients for 6-8 servings:

• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups whole milk or 2% milk
• 2 pounds russet or red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for serving
• 2 green onions or chives, sliced for garnish

These create a rich base; russets break down for creaminess, while reds hold shape for texture.​

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup (Stovetop)

Follow these numbered steps for foolproof results.

1. In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.​
2. Add butter and diced onion to the pot. Saute until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.​
3. Whisk in flour; cook 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.​
4. Add potatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.​
5. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth. For chunky texture, mash lightly; for smooth, use an immersion blender.​
6. Ladle into bowls. Top with reserved bacon, remaining cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread.​

Crockpot Method

For hands-off cooking:

• Cook bacon as in step 1; drain all but 1 tablespoon fat.
• Add all ingredients except cheese, sour cream, and toppings to a 6-quart slow cooker.
• Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
• Stir in cheese and sour cream. Blend if desired. Top and serve.​

Instant Pot Method

Speed things up:

1. Set Instant Pot to saute; cook bacon, onion, garlic, and roux as in steps 1-3.
2. Add potatoes, broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Seal lid; cook high pressure 8 minutes, quick release.
3. Stir in cheese and sour cream. Blend partially for creaminess.​

Texture and Toppings Guide

Choose your style with this quick comparison.

Texture	Best Method	Appeal
Chunky	Light mashing	Hearty, potato bite​
Creamy	Immersion blender	Velvety, restaurant-style​

Toppings Ideas

• Crispy bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar
• Sour cream dollop
• Sliced green onions or chives
• Optional: Diced jalapeños, broccoli florets, or crushed crackers​

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Portion into bags; freeze up to 3 months (thaw overnight).
• Reheat: Warm on stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.​

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Vegetarian: Omit bacon; use olive oil and vegetable broth.
• Ham Twist: Swap half the bacon for diced ham.
• Spicy: Add cayenne or pepper jack cheese.
• Pair with salad, breadsticks, or roasted veggies for a full meal.​

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 420 | Fat: 24g | Carbs: 35g | Protein: 16g | Fiber: 3g (estimates; varies by ingredients).​

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover baked potatoes?
Yes, reduce simmer time to 5 minutes for quicker prep.​

How do I thicken thin soup?
Simmer longer or whisk in a slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).​

Is it gluten-free?
Swap flour for 1:1 gluten-free blend.​

Enjoy this cozy classic any night. Print, save, or share your tweaks below!​

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