Loaded Potato Soup

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There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade loaded potato soup simmering on the stove on a cold winter day. This cozy recipe is made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—potatoes, carrots, garlic, bacon, and milk. It comes together quickly, feeds a crowd, and tastes like something you’d order at a country diner.

This soup is creamy, hearty, and comforting without feeling heavy. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy families and a wonderful addition to your winter and Advent meal plan. Serve it with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives for that classic “loaded” flavour everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup

• Creamy & comforting: Smooth and hearty without using heavy cream.
• Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
• Kid-approved: Mild, cheesy, and satisfying.
• Easy to customize: Add ham, corn, or extra veggies.
• Perfect winter meal: Cozy, filling, and ideal for cold nights.

Ingredients

• ½ lb bacon, chopped
• ½ cup diced carrot
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
• 2.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups whole milk
• ⅓ cup flour
• Cheddar cheese, for garnish
• Chives, for garnish

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large soup pot, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the flavourful bacon fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced carrot and onion to the pot and sauté for about five minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute.

3. Add the Potatoes and Broth

Pour in the 8 cups of water and stir in the chicken bouillon. Add the potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

4. Thicken the Soup

Whisk the flour and whole milk together until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. Let it simmer another 5–7 minutes, until the soup thickens.

5. Adjust the Texture

Mash some of the potatoes in the pot or blend a portion with an immersion blender for extra creaminess. Leave some chunks for texture.

6. Add the Bacon

Stir most of the cooked bacon back into the soup, reserving a little for topping.

7. Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and extra bacon.

Tips for Success

Cut Ingredients Evenly

Uniform potato cubes help everything cook at the same speed.

Build Flavour in Layers

Sautéing the vegetables in the bacon fat is key to a rich, savoury base.

Whisk the Milk & Flour Well

A smooth mixture prevents lumps and creates a creamy soup.

Simmer Gently After Adding Milk

Keeping the heat lower prevents curdling and maintains the velvety texture.

Adjust Thickness to Your Preference

Mash more potatoes for thickness, or thin the soup with a splash of milk.

Garnish Just Before Serving

Fresh cheddar and chives give the soup the “loaded” feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken broth instead of water and bouillon?

Yes, you can use 8 cups of chicken broth. It will have a slightly lighter flavour but works perfectly.

Can I freeze potato soup?

Freeze the soup before adding the milk and flour mixture. Add the dairy after reheating for best texture.

What potatoes work best?

Yellow or russet potatoes work well. Russets make the soup creamier, while yellow potatoes hold their shape.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes. Omit the bacon and sauté the vegetables in butter or oil. Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace the flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed into cold milk.

What goes well with loaded potato soup?

Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, biscuits, a fresh green salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Freezer

Freeze the non-dairy base for up to 3 months. Add the milk mixture after reheating for best results.

More Cozy Soup Recipes

If you love comforting meals, try these other soups on Dinner at the McGills:

• Minestrone Soup — flavourful, hearty, and packed with vegetables.
• Turkey Fricot (Thanksgiving Leftover Soup) — a Maritime classic made with leftover turkey.
• Chicken & Dumplings — cozy, creamy, and perfect for a chilly night.