When it comes to comfort food, nothing wraps you in cozy goodness quite like a bowl of Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup. This hearty medley of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and tangy sour cream is pure magic in a bowl. Every spoonful delivers a dreamy mix of flavors and textures that somehow taste even better than you remember from childhood. If you’re after the kind of soup that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table and requests for seconds, look no further—this recipe truly embodies everything we love about Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup!

Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of classic ingredients, you’ll have everything you need for a soul-satisfying soup. Each one plays an important part, whether it’s adding flavor depth, creamy body, or irresistible toppings. Here’s what to gather:

Bacon: Gives the soup smoky richness and those craveable crispy bits for topping at the end.
Onion: Adds essential sweetness and aromatic background to boost all the other flavors.
Garlic: Brings a mellow, savory note that ties the whole pot together.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture makes for the best thick, creamy soup base—don’t skip the peeling!
Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor and keeps the soup from being too heavy; use a good-quality broth for best results.
Whole milk: Adds creamy body without making the soup too thick—feel free to swap in heavy cream for extra decadence.
Sour cream: Stirred in for tanginess and ultimate silkiness in the finished soup.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasoning that brings all the flavors forward.
Smoked paprika (optional): Layers in a subtle warmth and hint of smokiness, playing perfectly with the bacon.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that signature cheesy goodness in every bite.
Butter: Finishes the soup with a rich, glossy sheen and velvety mouthfeel.
Green onions: Sprinkle over the top for the freshest pop of flavor and bright, beautiful color.

How to Make Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Patience is key here—the slower cook renders out the fat and gets you that perfect crispiness. Once the bacon is golden-brown, remove it with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels and leave a little of that savory fat behind in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Use the reserved bacon drippings to cook your diced onion for a few minutes, letting them turn soft and translucent. This step builds flavor right from the start! Add in the minced garlic and give it just thirty seconds to become fragrant; you want it to mingle but not burn.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Next, add your peeled and diced russet potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Crank the heat to bring it all to a boil, then lower it to a gentle simmer. In about 15 to 20 minutes, your potatoes should be fork-tender—just begging to be made creamy.

Step 4: Mash for Texture

Grab a potato masher and give the soup a few good smooshes. You’re aiming for a combination of creamy blended potato and plenty of hearty chunks. This step is what sets apart a great Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup, making every spoonful an adventure.

Step 5: Add Dairy and Seasonings

Pour in the milk and stir through the sour cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if you want a smoky kick). Simmer it all together for another five minutes; the soup will thicken beautifully as the flavors meld.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Butter

Stir in the shredded cheddar in batches, making sure it melts smoothly into the soup. Follow up with that luscious butter for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasonings—don’t be shy with the pepper if you like a little bite!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup into bowls. Heap on your crispy bacon pieces and shower with sliced green onions. The result is rich, colorful, and downright irresistible.

How to Serve Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup

Garnishes

Half the fun of this soup is the riot of toppings! Go classic with extra cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, fresh green onions, or even chives. For serious crunch, add crushed crackers or a sprinkle of fried onions. Personalize each bowl!

Side Dishes

A big bowl of Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs brilliantly with a side salad, a basket of fluffy rolls, or warm, crusty bread for dunking. If you’re feeling lavish, serve with grilled cheese or roasted veggies for a complete feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or small mugs for parties. You can even set up a “loaded potato soup bar” where everyone customizes their toppings—perfect for cozy gatherings or game days!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container and try to reserve your toppings separately so the bacon stays crisp.

Freezing

Because of the dairy, freezing can slightly alter the soup’s texture, but it’s still tasty! Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Use within 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

Warm your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Stir frequently for even heating and to prevent scorching. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just go low and slow, and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and leave out the bacon drippings. You’ll still have a creamy, hearty soup that everyone can enjoy.

What potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet potatoes are the classic pick because they break down into a creamy texture, but Yukon Golds work great if you prefer a slightly buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they won’t mash as nicely.

Is smoked paprika necessary?

No, but it’s a lovely optional twist. Smoked paprika adds depth and subtle smokiness that perfectly accents the bacon and cheddar. If you don’t have it, your soup will still be delicious!

Can I make Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors only get better after a day in the fridge. Just be sure to store your garnishes separately and stir gently when reheating to preserve that wonderful texture.

How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If your soup is too thick, splash in a little more milk or broth until it reaches your ideal consistency. For extra-thick soup, mash more potatoes, or simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless and utterly comforting about a steaming bowl of Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup, brimming with flavor and loaded with love. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become your go-to soup for sharing, savoring, and cozying up on any chilly day.

Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Fashioned Loaded Potato Soup, a creamy and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. This soup is packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, offering a satisfying and delicious meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon:

6 slices bacon, chopped

Onion:

1 small onion, diced

Garlic:

2 cloves garlic, minced

Potatoes:

4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced

Chicken Broth:

3 cups

Whole Milk:

2 cups

Sour Cream:

1/2 cup

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Cheese:

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Butter:

2 tablespoons

Green Onions:

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in potatoes and chicken broth, simmer until potatoes are tender.
Mash Potatoes: Use a masher to blend some potatoes for texture.
Finish Soup: Add milk, sour cream, seasonings, and cheese. Simmer until cheese melts.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with bacon and green onions.