Ina Garten’s Heart-Hugging Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this Ina Garten loaded potato soup that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy, rich textures dance across your palate with each delightful spoonful.

Potatoes become the star of this hearty dish, melding with decadent ingredients that whisper warmth and satisfaction.

Silky smooth and packed with robust flavors, this soup delivers an experience far beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese add luxurious layers of complexity to every bite.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a symphony of taste that feels both sophisticated and deeply comforting.

You’ll fall in love with this soul-warming recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Creamy foundation with soft, comforting texture; choose starchy varieties like Russet for ultimate smoothness.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and rich savory flavor; select low-sodium for better control of salt levels.
• Milk: Provides silky consistency and subtle sweetness; whole milk offers richer flavor profile.

• Bacon: Delivers smoky, umami punch; select thick-cut for robust crispiness and maximum flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Builds aromatic foundation with complex savory undertones; fresh ingredients guarantee best taste.
• Sour Cream: Creates luxurious creaminess and tangy brightness; room temperature helps blend seamlessly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, melty goodness; sharp varieties provide more intense cheese experience.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall taste; freshly ground black pepper recommended.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion crunch and vibrant color; thinly slice for elegant presentation.
• Butter, Flour: Create smooth roux base for thickening soup; unsalted butter allows precise seasoning control.

Tools Required for Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup

• Stockpot: Large pot for boiling and cooking potatoes.
• Dutch oven: Heavy-bottomed pot for cooking bacon and soup base.
• Sharp knife: For cutting onions, garlic, and green onions.
• Cutting board: Surface for chopping ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing soup.
• Whisk: To blend flour and incorporate milk and broth smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: For precise salt and pepper measurements.
• Measuring cups: To measure milk and broth accurately.
• Colander: For draining cooked potatoes.

Cooking Steps for Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup

• Potato Preparation

Boil potatoes in salted water until they’re soft and easily pierced. Once cooked, drain and set them aside for later.

• Bacon Magic

Cook bacon in a large pot until it turns crispy and golden. Remove the bacon, keeping a tablespoon of its delicious drippings in the pot.

• Flavor Foundation

Melt butter into the bacon drippings and sauté onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and let it release its aromatic essence.

• Creamy Transformation

Sprinkle flour into the pot and create a smooth base. Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture gently bubble.

• Soup Assembly

Introduce the cooked potatoes to the creamy liquid. Season with salt and pepper, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

• Cheese and Comfort

Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar. Mix in half of the crispy bacon pieces. Let the soup simmer softly, melding all the delicious ingredients together.

• Finishing Touches

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle remaining bacon and fresh green onions on top for a burst of color and crunch.

Tips and Variations for Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup

• Swap regular bacon for thick-cut or maple-glazed bacon to add a smoky or sweet twist to your soup's profile.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to create unique flavor layers.
• Replace bacon with crispy mushroom bits or smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Add extra crunch by topping with toasted breadcrumbs, crispy leeks, or roasted corn kernels for a delightful textural contrast.
• Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to give the soup a subtle heat that'll warm you from the inside out.

How to Serve Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup Warm

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm baguette or rustic sourdough to dip into this creamy potato soup, soaking up all the rich, cheesy goodness.
• Top with Extra Toppings: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
• Create a Hearty Meal: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add a fresh, crunchy element to your dinner.
• Make it a Comfort Food Feast: Pair with a glass of white wine or a cold beer to complement the soup's creamy and savory profile, perfect for a cozy evening meal.

Saving and Reheating Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency if the soup has thickened during storage.
• Refresh Before Serving: Sprinkle fresh bacon bits and chopped green onions just before serving to revive the soup's texture and add a burst of flavor. Avoid reheating more than once to keep the soup's quality at its best.

Hearty Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s loaded potato soup combines creamy richness with hearty bacon and cheese flavors. Homemade comfort awaits when you ladle this classic recipe into warm bowls for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
• 8 oz (226 g) bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (mild or sharp), shredded
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp pepper, or to taste
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Submerge potatoes in a salted stockpot, boiling until tender and easily pierced, then drain and set aside.
2. Bacon Rendering: Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp and golden, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate while preserving drippings.
3. Aromatic Base: Melt butter into bacon drippings, sautéing onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly, then dust with flour, stirring to eliminate raw flour essence.
4. Liquid Integration: Gradually whisk milk and chicken broth into the base, ensuring a smooth consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
5. Potato Incorporation: Blend cooked potatoes into the creamy mixture, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Introduce sour cream and cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and uniform.
6. Finishing Touches: Crumble half the bacon into the soup, gently mixing. Remove from heat and ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with remaining bacon pieces and freshly chopped green onions.

Notes

• Bacon Perfection: Crisp bacon adds smoky depth and textural contrast; reserve drippings for maximum flavor infusion.
• Flour Technique: Toast flour briefly to eliminate raw taste and create a richer, more developed roux for smooth soup consistency.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Add cheese off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain creamy, silky texture.
• Potato Selection: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for ideal thickness and creamy soup base.

• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg