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The Ultimate Creamy Loaded Potato Soup (Quick & Easy Stovetop Version)

A creamy bowl of amazing potato soup recipe topped with shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and fresh green onions.

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Chase away the chill with this incredible, thick, and creamy potato soup recipe. This easy, one-pot stovetop version is loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, making it your perfect comfort food for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, diced potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the simmering soup, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the soup thickens, about 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream until fully combined.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the soup is extra creamy. Do not boil the soup after adding the cream or cheese.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed.
  8. Ladle the hearty potato soup into bowls. Top each serving generously with the reserved crispy bacon, the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, mash about 1 cup of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the cream mixture.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cheese.
  • Save this recipe on Pinterest for your next cozy dinner night!

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