Why You’ll Love this Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
When you’re craving comfort food that warms your soul without hours of prep, this Creamy Loaded Potato Soup is absolutely perfect. I can’t think of anything more satisfying on a chilly evening than a steaming bowl of potato goodness loaded with sharp cheddar and bacon.
What makes this recipe truly special? It uses pre-shredded hash browns, cutting your prep time dramatically. No peeling, chopping, or dicing required. The combination of cream of chicken soup and chicken broth creates a velvety base that hugs every bite.
And can we talk about the toppings? Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top add that perfect salty crunch against the creamy soup. Ready in just 30 minutes, from pantry to table.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Loaded Potato Soup?
When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Loaded Potato Soup is exactly what you need. It’s like a loaded baked potato in soup form—creamy, cheesy, and studded with bits of savory bacon. The best part? It comes together quickly using pre-shredded potatoes, which cuts down on prep time without sacrificing any of that homemade taste we all love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns
- 26 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 16 ounces low sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon bits (half for cooking, half for garnish)
- Optional: parsley flakes for garnish
The quality of your ingredients will definitely impact the final flavor of this soup. I recommend using a good sharp cheddar for that distinctive tangy flavor that pairs so well with potatoes. And while the recipe calls for pre-shredded hash browns (a real time-saver), you could certainly shred your own potatoes if you prefer. As for the bacon, pre-cooked bacon bits work perfectly, but frying up your own bacon and crumbling it would add an extra layer of freshly cooked flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can adjust it to match your time constraints and flavor preferences.
How to Make this Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
Making this loaded potato soup couldn’t be simpler, and it’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Start by gathering your ingredients: 1 pound of Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns (the real time-saver in this recipe), 26 ounces of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of cooked bacon bits, 16 ounces of low sodium chicken broth, and 8 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Begin by grabbing a large saucepan and placing it over medium-high heat. Add the shredded potatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, grated cheddar cheese, and half the bacon bits (about 1/2 cup) to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine—don’t worry if it looks a bit separated at first, it’ll come together beautifully.
For even better results, consider using a cast iron saucepan for superior heat retention and distribution when cooking this soup.
Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking. Once it starts bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering time is when the magic happens; the potatoes soften, the cheese melts completely, and all those flavors meld together.
When serving, ladle the creamy soup into bowls and top with the remaining bacon bits. For a little color and extra flavor, you might want to sprinkle some parsley flakes on top—totally optional, but who doesn’t love a little green garnish?
Creamy Loaded Potato Soup Substitutions and Variations
This wonderfully adaptable loaded potato soup recipe welcomes all kinds of creative twists and substitutions. Don’t have hash browns? Regular diced potatoes work perfectly, though you’ll need to extend the cooking time until they’re tender.
For a lighter version, I’d suggest swapping the cream of chicken soup with low-fat milk mixed with a little flour for thickening. Vegetarians can easily use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon—maybe add some smoked paprika for that smoky flavor you’d be missing.
The cheese possibilities are endless. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a combination of cheddar and gruyère for depth. And for toppings? Green onions, sour cream, extra cheese, or even crispy fried onions. Who says comfort food can’t be personalized?
What to Serve with Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
Finding the perfect companions for your loaded potato soup can transform a simple meal into a memorable dining experience. I always reach for a crusty bread option—think sourdough, ciabatta, or a warm French baguette—ideal for dipping into that cheesy, bacon-studded broth.
A crisp, simple green salad with vinaigrette creates an invigorating contrast to the soup’s richness. Want something heartier? A half sandwich (grilled cheese, anyone?) makes this a complete lunch that’ll keep you satisfied all afternoon.
For drinks, I recommend a light beer or crisp white wine if you’re feeling fancy, or just ice-cold water with lemon if you’re keeping it simple. Trust me, the right side dishes elevate this humble soup to star status.
Final Thoughts
Home cooking satisfaction reaches its peak with a steaming bowl of loaded potato soup. There’s something magical about the way those simple ingredients—hash browns, cream of chicken, bacon, broth, and sharp cheddar—transform into a bowl of pure comfort. I’m convinced this recipe hits all the right notes: creamy texture, savory flavor, and just enough indulgence to feel special without being fussy.
What I love most about this soup? Its versatility. Make it on a snow day, serve it for casual gatherings, or whip it up when you’re craving something hearty that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The minimal prep work means more time enjoying your creation, which, let’s be honest, is what good home cooking is all about.