Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

There are few things more soul-warming than a big bowl of Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup. Deliciously creamy, packed with melty cheddar, savory bacon, and dreamy potato goodness, this is the soup you crave on chilly days or whenever you want pure comfort in a bowl. Every spoonful is rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of cheese and bacon for that “loaded” experience we all love. My family asks for this over and over, and once you give it a try, I have a feeling you’ll keep this hearty recipe on regular rotation too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup lies in its simple, satisfying lineup of ingredients. Each plays an essential role, adding something special to the taste, color, or texture, so don’t skip them!

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut for the best meaty crunch and a richer, deeper bacon flavor.
• Onion: Finely diced onion melts into the base to deliver a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory notes.
• Garlic: Just two cloves bring aromatic depth and a cozy, home-cooked aroma to your kitchen.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of our roux—gives the soup its creamy, velvety feel.
• Russet potatoes: Starchy and hearty, they break down just enough to thicken the soup but keep lovely tender chunks.
• Chicken broth: Adds a savory foundation, fusing all the flavors together from the first spoonful to the last.
• Whole milk: For richness and body; you can swap in some heavy cream for a more decadent vibe.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts wonderfully and packs tons of bold, cheesy flavor.
• Sour cream: Ultimate creaminess and tang for that telltale “loaded” taste.
• Salt & black pepper: Just enough to pull everything together and give that perfect seasoning to each bite.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that complements the bacon and adds a hint of rustic warmth.
• Chopped green onions (for topping): A fresh pop of color and a little mild bite on top of each serving.
• Extra cheddar (for topping): Because let’s be real, you can never have too much cheese.
• More sour cream (for topping): Swirled on just before serving for a creamy, cool finish.
• Reserved crispy bacon (for topping): Crunchy, savory, and absolutely necessary for the full loaded experience.

How to Make Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Let it sizzle and render out its fat until every piece is golden and irresistibly crispy. Scoop the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, leaving just a couple tablespoons of bacon fat behind in the pot—this is flavor gold and forms the foundation of your soup.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics

Into that glorious bacon fat, add your finely diced onion. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and just starting to turn translucent. At this point, toss in your minced garlic and give it just 30 seconds—enough time for the aroma to bloom without burning.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute. You’ll end up with a thick, fragrant paste that’s the secret to the soup’s luscious creaminess. Don’t skip the stirring—this step ensures there’s no raw flour taste in your finished Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup.

Step 4: Simmer the Potatoes

Slowly whisk in your chicken broth to dissolve the roux, then add the diced russet potatoes. Bump up the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce back to a simmer. After 15 to 20 minutes, the potatoes will be fork-tender and nearly melting—exactly what you want for the perfect texture.

Step 5: Finish with Dairy & Seasoning

Now, pour in the milk, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Carefully mash some of the potatoes right in the pot, or use an immersion blender if you like a smoother consistency (but leave some chunks—the contrast is delicious!). Stir in the shredded cheddar, sour cream, and half of your crispy bacon bits. Watch everything meld together into a decadent, cheesy dream.

Step 6: Serve and Top Generously

Ladle the Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot, and don’t forget to pile on the toppings: the rest of the bacon, more shredded cheddar, a generous spoonful of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions. Each addition takes the soup over the top!

How to Serve Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup

Garnishes

This soup is all about the finishing touches! Always serve with extra cheddar, crispy bacon, a swirl of sour cream, and a big sprinkle of fresh green onions for that irresistible loaded look and unbeatable flavor. The contrast between gooey cheese, cool sour cream, and crunchy bacon makes every bite perfect.

Side Dishes

You can round out your meal with a warm, crusty bread or some buttery dinner rolls—ideal for dunking into your bowl. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is also a lovely counterpoint, cutting through the richness of your Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in ramekins or mini bread bowls for a fun twist at parties. Or set up a toppings bar, letting everyone customize their soup with all the extras. For a fancy touch, drizzle a line of smoked paprika-infused oil on top—it makes even an everyday meal feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days—just be sure to keep the toppings separate so they stay fresh and crunchy when you reheat.

Freezing

While potato soups can sometimes change texture after freezing, this recipe holds up remarkably well! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Stir occasionally and heat until piping hot throughout—avoid boiling, which can cause the dairy to separate.

FAQs

Can I make Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the bacon (or use your favorite plant-based bacon), and swap in vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You’ll still get rich, creamy soup with all those luscious potato and cheese flavors.

What’s the best potato variety to use?

Russet potatoes are ideal for Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup because of their high starch content—they make the soup extra creamy and break down just enough to thicken the base.

How do I make it even creamier?

Swap in some heavy cream for part of the milk, or blend a portion of the soup until totally smooth with an immersion blender, then stir it back in. This amps up the luxurious mouthfeel without losing the “loaded” charm.

Can I prep this soup in advance?

Definitely! Make the soup up to 2 days ahead and store (without toppings) in the fridge. Just reheat and add your favorite garnishes just before serving for that fresh-from-the-pot flavor.

What other toppings work well?

Get creative: chives, crumbled blue cheese, or a dash of hot sauce add new dimensions to your Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup. If you love spicy, jalapeño slices make a fantastic extra kick!

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the pure comfort of a bowl of Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup, especially when you tailor it with all your favorite toppings. It’s rich, cheesy, and so easy to fall in love with—so grab those potatoes and treat yourself to a big, hearty helping soon!

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