Few things warm both the body and the soul quite like a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day. When that soup is rich, creamy, and filled with all the classic toppings you’d expect from a loaded baked potato, you know you’ve found a true comfort food favorite.
This loaded potato soup recipe brings together everything that makes hearty family meals so satisfying. It’s thick, luscious, and packed with crispy bacon, savory ham, sharp Cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions—the very toppings that make a baked potato irresistible.
Whether served for a Sunday supper, a quick weeknight dinner, or a cozy gathering with family and friends, this soup invites everyone to the table. For seniors who cherish warm, homemade meals, it strikes the perfect balance: nostalgic, practical, and simple enough to prepare while still impressive enough to serve with pride.
Why Potato Soup Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Potatoes have long been a staple in kitchens across America. Affordable, versatile, and filling, they anchor countless traditional recipes—from holiday mashed potatoes to diner-style hash browns. But when transformed into soup, potatoes truly shine.
Simmered until tender and combined with broth, butter, and milk, they become a rich, velvety base that absorbs every flavor. When topped with smoky bacon, savory ham, tangy sour cream, and sharp Cheddar cheese, the result is a loaded baked potato soup that’s as indulgent as it is comforting.
For many older adults, this recipe brings back memories of family dinners on snowy evenings, church potlucks, or weekends cooking for grandchildren. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and special, bridging generations through flavor.
Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty, flavorful soup:
1 package (12 oz) bacon
1 ½ cups chopped onion
6 cups chicken broth
2 lb baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
⅔ cup butter
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup diced cooked ham
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
2 ½ cups (10 oz) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
¾ cup sliced green onions, divided
This combination ensures the soup is thick, creamy, and layered with rich, savory flavors. The bacon adds smoky depth, ham brings heartiness, and cheese lends that unmistakable creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for 6 to 7 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet. Add chopped onions to the drippings and cook until softened, about 6 minutes.
2. Simmer the Potatoes
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the cooked onions, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Make the Roux
Using the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk until fully blended.
4. Build the Soup Base
Pour the milk and roux mixture into the pot with the potatoes and broth. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the soup thickens and begins to bubble.
5. Add the Fillings
Stir in the diced ham, half the crumbled bacon, sour cream, 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of sliced green onions. Cook gently until cheese melts and the soup is heated through.
6. Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Potato Soup
Choose the right potatoes: Baking potatoes like Russets break down perfectly to create creaminess but still hold some chunks for texture.
Keep bacon crispy: Add half the bacon into the soup for flavor, but save the rest as a crunchy topping.
Don’t rush the roux: Cooking the flour in butter for a full minute ensures a smooth texture without raw taste.
Adjust thickness: For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup before adding toppings.
Serving Suggestions
While hearty enough to stand on its own, this soup pairs beautifully with:
Fresh bread or warm rolls for dipping
A crisp green salad to cut through the richness
Pickled vegetables or a fruit salad to add a sweet, tangy contrast
A light dessert like apple crisp or oatmeal cookies to finish the meal
For larger gatherings, serve the soup in a big pot surrounded by bowls of toppings—bacon, cheese, and green onions—so everyone can customize their serving.
Why Seniors Love Recipes Like This
For older adults, loaded potato soup is about more than taste—it’s about comfort, warmth, and tradition. It’s practical, too: affordable ingredients, easy preparation, and leftovers that reheat well.
Soup is forgiving, allowing substitutions like turkey for ham or low-fat milk for whole milk without sacrificing heartiness. This flexibility makes it perfect for seniors cooking at home or preparing meals for loved ones.
A Soup to Warm Your Heart and Home
On the coldest days, when the wind rattles the windows and evenings stretch long, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a bowl of thick, creamy potato soup. Each spoonful offers a reminder that food holds the power to comfort, heal, and bring people together.
Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, let this easy homemade soup be your go-to recipe for warmth, nourishment, and joy.
