There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Stovetop Loaded Potato Soup on a chilly evening. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to satisfy the whole family all made in one pot right on your stovetop. This classic comfort recipe brings everything you love about baked potatoes into a warm, cozy bowl, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Stovetop Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the soup.
- Stir in milk, sour cream, and cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with bacon and chives before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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The Story & Why Stovetop Loaded Potato Soup Works
The first time I made this soup, it was a busy Tuesday night. I needed something quick, filling, and comforting. The idea was simple take the flavors of a loaded baked potato and transform them into a creamy, stovetop meal. The result? Pure comfort food magic.
What makes Stovetop Loaded Potato Soup so special is how easy it is to make. No need for a slow cooker or fancy tools just a big pot, a whisk, and 30 minutes. The combination of soft potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and creamy broth creates a restaurant-worthy flavor right at home.
If you love soups like this, check out the Loaded Baked Potato Soup or the Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Both deliver that same cozy flavor with slightly different twists.
Ingredients and Quick Preparation
You’ll need:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
How to Make It:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the soup.
- Stir in milk, sour cream, and cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with bacon and chives before serving.
If you like bold flavors, the Cajun Potato Soup brings a little spice while keeping that creamy texture you love.
Flavor Tips and Add-ins
The best thing about Stovetop Loaded Potato Soup is that it’s completely customizable. You can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary goals:
- Swap in Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally buttery flavor.
- Add diced ham or shredded chicken for a protein boost.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika or roasted garlic powder for deeper flavor.
- Stir in steamed broccoli for color and nutrients.
If you enjoy comforting soups that don’t sacrifice nutrition, the Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a must-try next.
Why It’s the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
This recipe hits the sweet spot between comfort and convenience. Stovetop Loaded Potato Soup cooks in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup — a big win after a long day. It’s rich and satisfying, but not heavy, making it the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome.
If you love fast and flavorful dinners, the Busy Day Soup is another lifesaver recipe that gets dinner on the table fast. And when you need something nourishing and restorative, the Italian Penicillin Soup brings warmth and wellness to every spoonful.
Storage & Meal Prep
This soup stores beautifully and reheats like a dream. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm on low heat and stir in a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.
If you’re making a big batch, you can freeze it before adding dairy — then stir in the cheese and sour cream after reheating for the best consistency.
And if you love simple, family-friendly meals, the One Pot Potato Soup is another easy favorite that delivers the same creamy comfort with half the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon, or replace it with crispy chickpeas or coconut bacon.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the milk and sour cream for unsweetened oat milk and plain dairy-free yogurt.
3. What’s the best potato to use?
Russets give a fluffy, creamy texture, while Yukon Golds add a buttery taste and smooth consistency.
4. How can I make it thicker?
Mash more potatoes or stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water before adding the milk.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360 kcal | 15 g | 33 g | 17 g |
Balanced and comforting, this soup makes the perfect dinner for cozy nights in.
For another family favorite, the Creamy Cowboy Soup is hearty, flavorful, and just as easy to prepare.
Conclusion
Stovetop Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect blend of creamy comfort and quick convenience. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying all without the fuss of long cooking times or fancy ingredients.
Whether you’re making it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is guaranteed to bring warmth to your kitchen and smiles to the table.