Why You’ll Love this Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and hassle-free, this Creamy Loaded Potato Soup is about to become your new favorite. I’m talking about a warm, velvety bowl that practically hugs you from the inside out.
What makes this recipe special? For starters, it uses convenient shredded hash browns instead of whole potatoes that need peeling and chopping. No potato peeler blisters here! The combination of sharp cheddar and bacon creates that classic loaded potato flavor we all crave, while the cream of chicken soup provides a rich base without any fuss.
Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when I need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Loaded Potato Soup?
This loaded potato soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The combination of shredded potatoes, creamy soup base, and savory bacon creates a rich, indulgent dish that comes together quickly. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good loaded potato soup? It’s like a baked potato in a bowl, but even better.
- 1 lb Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns
- 26 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cooked bacon bits (divided – half for soup, half for garnish)
- 16 ounces low sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional: Parsley flakes for garnish
When shopping for these ingredients, you might wish to evaluate the sodium content. The recipe calls for low-sodium chicken broth, which is a smart choice since the bacon and cheese already contribute plenty of saltiness to the dish. If you can’t find Simply Potatoes® hash browns specifically, any refrigerated shredded potatoes will work fine—though I wouldn’t recommend frozen ones unless you thaw and drain them first. The sharp cheddar gives this soup its signature flavor, so that’s not an ingredient I’d substitute with a milder cheese.
How to Make this Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
Making this loaded potato soup couldn’t be simpler, and it all starts with a large saucepan on medium-high heat. You’ll combine 1 pound of Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns with 26 ounces of cream of chicken soup, creating that hearty base we all crave in a potato soup. Add 16 ounces of low sodium chicken broth for perfect consistency, along with 8 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese (because what’s potato soup without that melty cheese factor?), and don’t forget to toss in 1/2 cup of those delicious bacon bits. The combination of these ingredients creates that classic loaded potato flavor that makes this soup so comforting.
Once you’ve got everything in the pot, let the mixture come to a boil while stirring occasionally. You might be tempted to rush this part, but patience pays off when making soup. After it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering time is essential—it allows all those flavors to meld together while the potatoes soften to the perfect texture.
For an even more authentic cooking experience, consider preparing this soup in a cast iron cookware which offers exceptional heat retention and distribution for perfectly cooked soups.
When serving, ladle the creamy mixture into soup bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon bits for that extra crunch and flavor. Want to fancy it up a bit? Sprinkle some parsley flakes on top for a touch of color and freshness. Trust me, this soup is like wearing a warm sweater on a cold day—pure comfort in every spoonful.
Creamy Loaded Potato Soup Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore how you can customize this potato soup to suit your dietary needs or pantry situation.
Don’t have Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns? Regular russet potatoes work beautifully—just peel and grate them yourself. Vegetarian? Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of chicken.
For a lighter version, I recommend using low-fat milk mixed with a bit of flour instead of cream soup. Turkey bacon or even smoky tempeh can replace traditional bacon bits.
Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne or some diced jalapeños. Dairy-free folks, nutritional yeast and coconut milk create that creamy texture without the cheese. The possibilities are endless, really.
What to Serve with Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
Every hearty bowl of loaded potato soup deserves perfect companions to round out your meal. I love pairing this rich, cheesy goodness with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette—the acidity cuts through the soup’s creaminess beautifully. A slice of crusty sourdough bread or warm, buttery garlic bread makes an ideal dipper for those last precious spoonfuls.
For a more substantial dinner, consider serving smaller soup portions alongside a half sandwich—turkey and avocado or grilled cheese work wonderfully. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus can add nutritional balance, their slight bitterness complementing the soup’s savory notes. And isn’t there something magical about the contrast between hot soup and cool, crunchy sides? Trust me, these pairings elevate the humble potato soup to dinner party status.
Final Thoughts
This loaded potato soup recipe has become my absolute go-to comfort food when the temperatures drop or when I simply need a bowl of something warm and satisfying. There’s something magical about the combination of tender hash browns, savory bacon, and melted cheese that just speaks to the soul.
I love how adaptable this recipe is, too. Need it vegetarian? Swap the chicken broth for vegetable. Want it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. The convenience of using pre-shredded potatoes means I can whip this up even on my busiest weeknights.
