Description
To truly appreciate why this particular meal is so uniquely satisfying, it helps to break down exactly what happens when you turn a classic side dish into a complete liquid meal. At its core, this soup is a thick, cream-based potato dish that mimics the exact flavor experience of eating a fully loaded jacket potato straight out of the oven. It relies on a heavy starchy base derived from whole russet potatoes that are cooked until they are completely soft, allowing their natural starches to thicken the broth beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices beef bacon, chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
For Topping
- Extra crispy beef bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef Bacon
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook chopped beef bacon until crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel, keeping a little bacon fat in the pot.
2. Prepare the Soup Base
- Add butter and onion to the pot.
- Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Cook the Potatoes
- Slowly whisk in broth, milk, and cream.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes become tender.
4. Blend & Finish
- Mash some potatoes in the pot for a chunky texture, or blend partially for a smoother soup.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream until creamy.
- Add half of the crispy beef bacon into the soup.
5. Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top with remaining crispy beef bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
Keywords: creamy beef bacon potato soup, loaded potato soup recipe, cheesy baked potato cream soup