Few things warm both the body and the soul quite like a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day. And when that soup is rich, creamy, and filled with all the toppings you’d expect from a classic baked potato? That’s when you know you’ve found a true comfort food favorite.
This loaded potato soup recipe combines everything we love about hearty family meals. It’s thick, satisfying, and packed with crispy bacon, savory ham, sharp Cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions — the very same toppings that make a loaded baked potato irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper, a quick weeknight dinner, or a cozy gathering with family and friends, this soup is the kind of dish that draws everyone to the table. For seniors who cherish warm, homemade meals, this creamy potato soup is both nostalgic and practical — simple enough to make, yet impressive enough to serve proudly.
Why Potato Soup Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Potatoes have long been one of America’s most trusted staples. Affordable, versatile, and endlessly filling, they form the backbone of countless traditional recipes. From mashed potatoes at the holiday table to hash browns on a diner plate, potatoes always deliver comfort.
But soup brings out their very best qualities. When simmered until tender and combined with broth, butter, and milk, potatoes transform into a rich, velvety base that soaks up flavor. Add smoky bacon, salty ham, tangy sour cream, and a sprinkle of sharp Cheddar, and you’ve created a loaded baked potato soup that’s as indulgent as it is comforting.
For many older readers, this kind of recipe recalls fond memories — perhaps of family dinners on snowy nights, church potlucks, or weekends spent cooking for children and grandchildren. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and special.
Ingredients for Loaded Potato Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this hearty dish to life:
- 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 of ingredients creates a soup that’s thick, creamy, and layered with flavor. The bacon provides smokiness, the ham adds heartiness, and the cheese brings that unmistakable richness.
