Easy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe with Sausage and Bacon
Loaded potato soup made with sausage, bacon, carrots, celery, and herbs, simmered until rich and velvety, then topped with cheese, scallions, and croutons.
October 2025 update: I first shared this recipe for Easy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe with Sausage and Bacon back in January of 2024. It feels like. that was so long ago. In this update, I made one change to the soup by removing the water-Its wet enough-and adding a note to drain the fat after browning the sausage and bacon. I am working on some better images and will add those soon.
👩🍳 My Version of My Mom’s Classic Soup
My mom used to make the simplest potato soup when I was growing up. Just milk, sliced potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper. It was cozy, comforting, and felt like home in a bowl. She didn’t measure or fuss over it, yet somehow it always came out perfect. That soup was a staple on cold Missouri nights when we wanted something warm but didn’t have much in the fridge. I still make her version sometimes because there’s something about a basic, homemade potato soup that never goes out of style.
Over the years, though, I’ve found myself craving a heartier version. One that keeps that same creamy base but adds a little more flavor and texture. That’s where this Loaded Potato Soup comes in. It’s my take on a classic potato soup recipe, only richer and more satisfying. The kind you make when you want a real meal, not just a side dish. Between the sausage, smoky bacon, and tender vegetables, it turns a simple bowl of soup into a full dinner that everyone in the house gets excited about.
This creamy loaded potato soup has the perfect balance of richness and freshness. The milk and potatoes create a velvety base, while herbs like thyme, rosemary, and dill add an earthy, aromatic note that brings everything together. Chopped carrots and celery give the broth a light sweetness and help round out the flavor so it tastes layered and homemade, not heavy. I like to top it with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of scallions, and a few crunchy croutons. Every bite has that mix of creamy, cheesy, and crisp that makes you want to go back for seconds.
What I love most about this easy potato soup recipe is that it works in every season. It’s cozy enough for winter but still fresh enough to enjoy on a rainy spring night. It reheats beautifully, and if you make a big batch, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to settle. So whether you’re making it for your family on a busy weeknight or cooking a pot to share with friends, this loaded potato soup always hits the mark.
🛒 Ingredients In Loaded Potato Soup
🥣 Making this Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until no longer pink but not yet browned. If you’re using a lean sausage, add a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Spicy sausage adds heat, while mild Italian sausage keeps this potato soup family-friendly.
Push the sausage to one side and add chopped bacon. Cook until crisp and golden. The bacon fat adds richness and flavor that blends perfectly with the sausage, making this creamy potato soup extra hearty.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally until the onion turns translucent and the vegetables soften. This step adds balance to the richness and makes the broth full-bodied.
Add minced garlic and cook for one minute to deepen the flavor.
Stir in cubed potatoes, chicken broth and milk. Add thyme, rosemary, dill, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the soup has slightly thickened.
As the potatoes cook, they release starch that gives the broth a naturally creamy texture. For a thicker consistency, mash a few potatoes in the pot with a spoon.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, and homemade croutons. The cheese melts into the broth and gives each bite a rich, satisfying finish. Leftovers reheat easily, and this loaded potato soup often tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle together.
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Easy Loaded Potato Soup Recipe with Sausage and Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound sausage
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 slices bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 large carrots (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 2 large potatoes (cubed)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dill
- salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: cheddar cheese, scallions and croutons
Instructions
- In a large pot, add ½ pound sausage (use a tbsp of avocado or olive oil if using a lower fat sausage). Cook until sausage is no longer pink but not yet browned. Move sausage to the side of the pot and add 4 slices bacon and cook until crisp. Drain the fat from the pan.
- Add 1 medium onion, 2 large carrots and 2 stalks celery and cook until onion is transluscent and vegetables are soft. Add 3 garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add 2 large potatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups milk, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon rosemary and 1 teaspoon dill. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
- Serve Loaded Potato Soup with cheddar cheese, scallions and croutons if desired.
Notes
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
How can I make it thicker without adding cream or flour?
Mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot. Their natural starch will thicken the soup beautifully while keeping it gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon or sausage?
You can, but cooking them in the pot first adds flavor to the broth. If you use pre-cooked meat, sauté the onions and vegetables in a tablespoon of butter or oil for extra richness.
How To Serve Loaded Potato Soup
Pair it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or with a slice of crusty sourdough bread for dipping. Cornbread or garlic bread are also great sides for soaking up the creamy broth.
If you’re serving this soup for guests, keep toppings like shredded cheddar, scallions, and croutons in separate bowls so everyone can build their own. It makes dinner feel fun and casual while keeping everything fresh.
More Soup Recipes To Try
If you love this loaded potato soup, you’ll definitely want to try a few more of my favorites. My Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Dumplings is everything you love about traditional lasagna but so much easier. It’s made with Italian sausage, ground beef, and soft ricotta dumplings that melt into the broth for a cozy, satisfying meal. For something with a little Southwestern flair, my Chicken and White Bean Chili is creamy and smoky, made with poblanos, tender chicken, and a smooth, velvety broth that hits the spot on busy weeknights.
When you’re craving something bright and fresh, the Basil Mint Tomato Soup with Honey is such a fun twist. The honey adds gentle sweetness while the basil and mint keep it light and balanced. For something rich and earthy, my Cream of Mushroom Soup is a go-to. It’s smooth, homemade, and works perfectly as a base for pasta or chicken dishes.
If you love easy dinners, my Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the kind of meal that basically makes itself. Toss everything in before work, and by dinnertime, you’ve got a colorful, flavorful soup ready to go.
The Healthy One-Pot Hamburger Soup is another weeknight winner packed with vegetables, ground beef, and rice for a hearty finish. And when you’re craving classic comfort, the Immune Boosting Chicken Noodle SouImmune Boosting Chicken Noodle Soupp never fails. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and the perfect way to end a long day.