Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup – Rich, Hearty, and Deeply Comforting

This Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup is the definition of cozy comfort food. Thick, creamy, and packed with tender potatoes, it brings together savory flavors that feel familiar and satisfying. Finished with classic toppings like cheese, bacon, and herbs, this soup works beautifully for cold evenings, family dinners, or when you want a filling one-pot meal. It comes together in about 45 minutes and delivers a rich, savory flavor that feels indulgent without being overdone—like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup Overview

Inspired by the dependable, home-style cooking approach of Ina Garten, this soup focuses on building flavor step by step. Potatoes are simmered until tender, the base is gently thickened, and the final toppings add texture and contrast. The result is a soup that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough to make at home.

Other Popular Ina Garten Soup Recipes

• Ina Garten’s Roasted Red Pepper Soup
• Ina Garten Manhattan Clam Chowder
• Ina Garten Carrot Soup
• Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Thick and filling texture – A true meal-in-a-bowl
• Classic loaded flavors – Cheese, potatoes, and savory notes work together
• Comfort-focused recipe – Ideal for colder days
• Simple ingredients – Easy to find and budget-friendly
• Customizable toppings – Everyone can finish their bowl their way

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Potatoes – 900 g (2 lb), peeled and diced
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Butter – 3 tablespoons
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
• Chicken stock or vegetable stock – 1 litre (4 cups)
• Milk – 500 ml (2 cups)
• Sour cream – 120 ml (½ cup)
• Cheddar cheese – 150 g (1½ cups), grated
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Cooked bacon – 6 slices, chopped
• Spring onions or chives – 3 tablespoons, chopped

Useful Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Potato masher or immersion blender

Steps to Make Ina Garten’s Loaded Potato Soup

• Cook the potatoes – Place diced potatoes in a pot with salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10–12 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
• Build the base – Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Add garlic carefully – Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Thicken gently – Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to remove raw taste.
• Create the soup – Gradually whisk in stock, followed by milk, stirring until smooth.
• Combine potatoes – Add cooked potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Mash lightly for texture or blend partially.
• Finish rich and creamy – Stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season to taste.
• Serve loaded – Top with bacon and spring onions just before serving.

What Went Wrong and How I Fixed It

• Soup was too thick – Adding warm stock loosened it instantly
• Flour tasted raw – Cooking it briefly with butter fixed the issue
• Cheese clumped – Lower heat helped it melt smoothly
• Potatoes broke down too much – Gentle mashing kept texture balanced

Ways to Make Ina Garten’s Loaded Potato Soup Healthier

• Lower-fat dairy – Use semi-skimmed milk instead of full-fat milk
• Reduce bacon – Cut back and rely more on herbs
• Extra vegetables – Add cauliflower or celery for fiber
• Controlled portions – Serve with a light side salad

Alternative Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Loaded Potato Soup

• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream – Lighter but still creamy
• Smoked cheese – Adds deeper flavor
• Turkey bacon – Leaner topping option
• Leeks instead of onion – Softer, sweeter base

What to Serve With Ina Garten’s Loaded Potato Soup

• Crusty bread – Perfect for scooping
• Green side salad – Balances the richness
• Roasted vegetables – Adds texture contrast
• Garlic toast – Complements the creamy base

Best Tips for Ina Garten’s Loaded Potato Soup

• Use starchy potatoes – They thicken naturally
• Mash lightly – Keeps soup hearty, not gluey
• Add cheese off the heat – Prevents splitting
• Season gradually – Cheese and bacon add salt
• Warm dairy first – Helps smooth blending
• Finish with toppings last – Keeps textures fresh

Unique Takes on Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup

• Spicy version – Add chilli flakes or jalapeños
• Herb-forward style – Fresh thyme or rosemary
• Extra cheesy bowl – Mix in mozzarella
• Smoky twist – Smoked paprika adds warmth

How to Store Ina Garten’s Loaded Potato Soup

• Cool completely first – Protects texture
• Airtight containers – Maintain freshness
• Refrigeration window – Best within 3 days
• Avoid freezing – Dairy may separate

How to Reheat Ina Garten’s Loaded Potato Soup

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or stock to loosen the soup and avoid boiling to keep it creamy.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~28 g
• Fats: ~18 g
• Protein: ~11 g
• Sugar: ~6 g

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FAQs

What potatoes work best for loaded potato soup?

Starchy potatoes such as Russet or Maris Piper are best because they break down slightly as they cook, creating a naturally thick and creamy texture without needing too much flour.

How do you thicken loaded potato soup without making it gluey?

Lightly mashing only part of the cooked potatoes thickens the soup while keeping some texture. Avoid over-blending, as too much blending releases starch and can make the soup heavy.

When should cheese be added to potato soup?

Cheese should be added at the end, with the heat turned low or off. This allows it to melt smoothly without separating or becoming grainy.

Can loaded potato soup be made ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk or stock if it thickens.

Conclusion

This Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup delivers everything comfort food should—rich flavor, hearty texture, and reliable results. It’s filling without being overwhelming and flexible enough to suit different tastes. When you need something warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying, this soup earns its place at the table every time.