When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of homemade soup. And not just any soup — Loaded Potato Soup. Rich, creamy, and layered with savory toppings, it’s everything you love about a baked potato, spooned into a bowl.

Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday family dinner or looking for a cozy meal on a quiet night, this hearty recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with memories — especially for seniors who grew up around a table of homemade meals.

🥔 Why This Potato Soup Hits the Spot

Potatoes have been a beloved staple in American kitchens for generations — from holiday mashed potatoes to crispy diner hash browns. But in soup form, they truly shine.

Slowly simmered in broth, folded with butter, and finished with milk or cream, they create a base that’s velvety and satisfying. Add crisp bacon, smoky ham, sharp Cheddar, and green onions, and it’s not just a soup — it’s a loaded baked potato in disguise.

“This is the kind of meal that turns a chilly evening into something special. Just one bite, and it feels like coming home.”

🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves about 6–8 people and is ideal for leftovers or freezing in portions.

Main Ingredients

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 black pepper
1 cup diced cooked ham
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
2 ½ cups (about 10 oz) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
¾ cup sliced green onions, divided

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon & Onions

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 6–7 minutes).
Drain, crumble, and set aside.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
Add chopped onion to the drippings and sauté until soft and translucent (about 6 minutes).

2. Simmer the Potatoes

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the sautéed onion, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 10 minutes).

3. Make the Roux (Thickener)

In the bacon skillet, melt butter over low heat.
Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1 full minute.
Slowly add 2 cups of milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.

4. Build the Soup Base

Pour the milk roux mixture into the potato pot.
Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, salt, and pepper.
Stir frequently over medium heat until the soup thickens and starts to bubble gently.

5. Stir in the Good Stuff

Add diced ham, half the crumbled bacon, sour cream, 2 cups of Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup green onions.
Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.

6. Serve with Toppings

Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with:

Freshly baked rolls or cornbread
A green salad with vinaigrette
Apple slices or fruit salad for a refreshing finish
A light dessert like oatmeal cookies or peach cobbler

Want to go all-out? Serve it buffet-style with small bowls of toppings for guests to build their perfect bowl.

💡 Tips & Variations

Use Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature creates a creamy texture.
Make it meat-free: Skip the ham and bacon and use veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
Make ahead: This soup stores beautifully for 3–4 days and reheats well.
Freeze portions: Let cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Want extra creaminess? Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the cheese.

👵 Why Seniors Love This Recipe

This dish is especially beloved by older adults for several reasons:

Familiar flavors that spark memories
Affordable ingredients easy to keep on hand
Comforting and nourishing
Flexible and forgiving — easy to adapt for dietary needs
Perfect for sharing with family or friends during the colder months

Whether it’s served after church, on a snowy evening, or made ahead for a week of meals, this soup offers the kind of comfort that never goes out of style.

🧣 A Bowl Full of Warmth & Memories

Loaded potato soup isn’t just a meal — it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s for cold days, long talks, and shared moments at the table. Whether you’re passing it to your grandkids or simply enjoying a quiet dinner alone, this soup brings back the joy of home-cooked comfort.

So next time you’re wondering what to make when the air turns chilly, remember this recipe. Simple, nostalgic, and heartwarming — just like the best things in life.

📌 Save This Recipe for Later!

Tag it with #LoadedPotatoSoup or #ComfortFoodFavorites when you share it online — and don’t forget to pass it on to someone who could use a little warmth today.