When it comes to comfort food, nothing warms the soul like a bowl of fully loaded cheesy potato soup. This creamy, flavorful dish is packed with tender potatoes, savory cheese, and all the toppings you crave. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or using a slow cooker, this recipe is simple to follow and yields six hearty servings. Here’s how to make it.
1. Fully Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and chopped potatoes (900 g)
- ¾ cup diced onion (115 g)
- 4 cups chicken broth (960 mL)
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup flour (30 g)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (360 mL)
- ¼ cup sour cream (60 g)
- Shredded cheese (for serving)
- Cooked chopped bacon (for serving)
- Chopped scallion (for serving)
Instructions
Stovetop Method
Cook the Potatoes and Onion
In a large pot, add the potatoes, diced onion, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Make the Roux
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Combine Ingredients
Pour the cream mixture into the pot with the cooked potatoes and broth. Stir to combine. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture while leaving some chunks intact.
Add Sour Cream
Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped scallions.
Slow Cooker Method
Add the potatoes, onion, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are soft.
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the roux by melting butter in a pan, whisking in the flour, and then gradually adding the heavy cream. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
Mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to reach your desired consistency. Add the sour cream and stir.
Serve with toppings as described above.
2. Tips To Perfect Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup
Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because of their starchy texture, which helps thicken the soup.
Control the Consistency
For a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes or blend a portion of the soup. For a chunkier texture, leave more potato pieces intact.
Season as You Go
Taste the soup at different stages and adjust the seasoning to ensure a balanced flavor.
Use Fresh Toppings
Freshly shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped scallions elevate the soup and add a delicious contrast of textures.
Don’t Skip the Roux
The butter-flour mixture is essential for achieving a creamy, velvety texture.
3. What To Eat With Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup
This rich soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
Crusty Bread or Rolls: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy soup.
Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Double down on the comfort food and pair your soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus make for a nutritious and complementary side dish.
4. How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but the dairy content may cause some separation upon thawing. If freezing, omit the sour cream and add it after reheating. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from curdling.
Enjoy this fully loaded cheesy potato soup anytime you need a cozy, satisfying meal. Its hearty flavors and creamy texture make it a dish your whole family will love!