
When winter chills set in and I’m craving something that warms me right through, I always turn to this Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Beef Bacon. It’s rich, hearty, and everything I want in a bowl of comfort. The first thing that hits me is the smell creamy broth bubbling away, smoky beef bacon crisping on the stove, and that unmistakable cozy feeling that fills my kitchen. This creamy potato soup recipe is my favorite way to wind down after a long day, and it’s just as wonderful for family dinners or lazy weekends.
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Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Beef Bacon
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and comforting potato soup loaded with smoky beef bacon, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy winter nights and family dinners.
Ingredients
6 slices beef bacon, chopped
3 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
5 medium russet potatoes, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp thyme
¼ tsp paprika
Optional: sour cream, chives, extra bacon for topping
Instructions
Cook the beef bacon in a large pot until crisp. Remove and set aside.
Melt butter in the same pot and add onions. Cook until soft, then add garlic.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in broth, stirring constantly.
Add potatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Simmer 15–20 minutes until tender.
Mash a few potatoes for creaminess.
Stir in cream, cheese, and most of the bacon.
Serve warm topped with extra bacon, chives, and sour cream.
Notes
Swap heavy cream for milk or cashew cream for a lighter version.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor.
Keeps up to 4 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 55

Why This Soup Always Wins Hearts
There’s just something special about a big pot of creamy potato soup simmering gently. The texture is smooth and velvety, with tiny bites of tender potato that melt perfectly with each spoonful. The smoky flavor from the beef bacon gives it a rich depth, and when topped with a sprinkle of cheese or chives, it feels indulgent without being too heavy. It’s one of those cozy soup recipes I make again and again simple to prepare, easy to customize, and completely satisfying.
Related Recipes
Whenever I’m in the mood for something comforting but balanced, I think of dishes like my healthy lasagna soup with ground turkey and spinach. It’s the same kind of soul-warming meal that fills your kitchen with love and your stomach with happiness.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Here’s everything I use to make this bacon potato soup so delicious.
- Potatoes: I like russet potatoes for their starchiness, which gives the soup that naturally thick, creamy texture. Yukon Golds are also great for a buttery finish.
- Beef bacon: Smoky, crispy, and flavorful this is the soul of the dish. It adds that perfect savory crunch on top.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics are essential for layering flavor.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth works beautifully here. Use a low-sodium version if you like more control over seasoning.
- Cream: Heavy cream creates that luscious, rich finish, but you can also use half-and-half.
- Butter and flour: This duo forms the roux that thickens the soup into creamy perfection.
- Cheddar cheese: A sharp cheddar balances the creamy texture with a little tang.
- Seasoning: I use salt, pepper, a pinch of thyme, and a dash of paprika for color and warmth.
Optional add-ins:
A spoonful of sour cream, diced carrots, or a handful of chives on top can all add fun little twists.
How I Make It Happen
I start by crisping up the beef bacon in a large pot. Once it’s perfectly golden, I set it aside on paper towels and let that beautiful bacon flavor stay behind in the pan. That base of flavor is what gives this potato soup its depth.
Next, I melt a little butter in the same pot and sauté diced onion until it turns soft and fragrant. I add garlic next, then sprinkle in flour and whisk it together for about a minute. This roux thickens the soup later and gives it that creamy, spoon-coating consistency.
Slowly, I pour in the broth while whisking, making sure everything blends smoothly. Then I toss in the diced potatoes and let them simmer gently until they’re fork-tender about 15 minutes. During this time, the house starts smelling incredible.
Once the potatoes are soft, I mash some of them right in the pot for a thicker texture. I pour in the cream, stir in the shredded cheddar, and fold most of the bacon back into the soup. The result is rich, creamy, and full of that smoky-salty flavor that makes you want seconds.
If you love easy one-pot recipes, you might enjoy something similar like my one-pot vegetarian lasagna soup with zucchini and ricotta, which has that same warm, comforting vibe.

Fun Ways to Make It Your Own
One of the things I love most about this potato soup recipe is how adaptable it is.
- Go gluten-free: Skip the flour and use a cornstarch slurry to thicken, just like in my gluten-free lasagna soup with quinoa and fresh basil.
- Add more protein: Toss in lentils for a wholesome boost, inspired by my high-protein lasagna soup with lentils and kale.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce can give the soup that fiery edge similar to my spicy Italian sausage lasagna soup with roasted peppers.
- Keep it dairy-free: Cashew cream works perfectly here, just like in my dairy-free lasagna soup with cashew cream and veggies.
- Cut the carbs: Mix in cauliflower florets instead of all potatoes, a trick I picked up from my low-carb lasagna soup with cauliflower and ground chicken.
- Prep ahead: This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days, similar to my meal prep lasagna soup bowls with whole wheat pasta.
If I want to switch things up with a tomato flavor, I sometimes take inspiration from my creamy tomato basil lasagna soup. And on extra-busy days, I pull out my slow cooker and follow a similar rhythm to my slow cooker healthy lasagna soup for busy weeknights.
My Final Thoughts Before You Dig In
This Creamy Loaded Potato Soup with Beef Bacon is everything I love about winter cooking in one bowl. It’s rich but balanced, comforting but fresh, and so easy to bring together. Every bite has that perfect mix of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and melted cheese. It’s one of those winter soups I keep coming back to, no matter how many recipes I try.
If you’re looking for something hearty, simple, and full of flavor, this potato bacon soup will make your kitchen smell amazing and your heart full. Grab your coziest blanket, pour yourself a bowl, and enjoy a little homemade warmth.













