Name: Loaded Potato Soup: A Comforting Classic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup cooked and crumbled beef sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, extra cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s thick, creamy, and full of flavor
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Customizable with your favorite toppings
A crowd-pleasing comfort food classic

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked and crumbled beef sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions

Directions

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
For a thicker texture, lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot while leaving some chunks for texture.
Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the cooked and crumbled beef sausage and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream and sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 430 calories per serving

Variations

Chicken option: Replace the beef sausage with cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter protein choice.

Turkey version: Use seasoned ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner alternative.

Extra cheesy: Add an additional half cup of cheddar or mix in Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.

Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with diced jalapeños.

Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months, though the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly.

FAQs

Can I use russet potatoes for this soup?

Yes, russet potatoes work very well because they break down easily and help create a creamy texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors develop even more after a day in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep.

Do I have to mash the soup?

No, mashing is optional. It simply helps thicken the soup while keeping some chunks for texture.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Colby, Monterey Jack, or mild Gouda are excellent alternatives that melt smoothly.

How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Lower the heat before adding the cheese and stir continuously to help it melt smoothly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook the potatoes, onion, and broth on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, then stir in the dairy and cheese near the end.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as written, it does not contain flour or gluten-based ingredients. Always double-check packaged ingredients to be sure.

How can I thicken the soup more?

Mash additional potatoes or let the soup simmer uncovered a little longer to reduce and thicken.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or additional milk, though the soup will be slightly less rich.

What are the best toppings for loaded potato soup?

Sour cream, green onions, extra shredded cheese, crispy beef crumbles, and even toasted bread cubes make delicious toppings.

Conclusion

Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory beef crumbles into one satisfying bowl. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.