Loaded Potato Soup

Loaded Potato Soup
Thick, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Loaded Potato Soup brings the best of a baked potato right into your bowl. Topped with crispy bacon, sharp Cheddar, savory ham, and green onions, it’s a cozy, satisfying dish perfect for chilly days.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Bacon	1 package (12 oz)
Chopped onion	1 ½ cups
Chicken broth	6 cups
Baking potatoes (peeled, cubed)	2 lb
Butter	⅔ cup
All-purpose flour	¾ cup
Milk	4 cups
Salt	1 teaspoon
Ground black pepper	1 teaspoon
Diced cooked ham	1 cup
Sour cream	1 container (8 oz)
Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese	2 ½ cups (10 oz), divided
Sliced green onions	¾ cup, divided

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Bacon and Onions
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat for 6–7 minutes until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside. Keep 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes, or until softened.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine the sautéed onions, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Make a Roux
While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in the skillet used for the bacon over low heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add 2 cups of the milk, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Soup Base
Pour the roux into the pot with the potatoes. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of milk, along with the salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the soup thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 5: Add the Good Stuff and Serve
Mix in the diced ham, half of the crumbled bacon, sour cream, 2 cups of Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of the green onions. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is hot and well combined.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions for that perfect loaded finish.