In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the drippings and cook until softened, about 6 minutes.
2. Simmer the Potatoes
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the onion, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to mash with a fork.
3. Make the Roux
4. Build the Soup Base
Pour the milk mixture into the pot with the potatoes and broth. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, along with the salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens and bubbles.
5. Add the Fillings
Stir in the diced ham, half the bacon, the sour cream, 2 cups of Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of green onions. Cook gently until the cheese melts and the soup is heated through.
6. Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with the remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions. Serve hot, with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Potato Soup
- Choose the right potatoes. Baking potatoes (like Russets) give the best texture, breaking down just enough to create creaminess while still leaving chunks.
- Keep the bacon crisp. Add half of it to the soup for flavor, but save the rest for topping. This keeps some pieces crunchy for texture.
- Don’t rush the roux. Cooking the flour in butter for a full minute ensures the soup has body without a raw flour taste.
- Adjust the thickness. If you like an even creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup before adding the toppings.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Fresh bread or rolls for dipping
- A crisp green salad to balance the richness
- Pickled vegetables or fruit salad for a sweet contrast
- A light dessert such as apple crisp or oatmeal cookies to finish the meal
For family gatherings, serve this soup in a large pot at the center of the table with bowls of toppings — bacon, cheese, and green onions — so everyone can customize their bowl.
Why Seniors Love Recipes Like This
For older adults, meals like loaded baked potato soup are about more than just flavor. They represent comfort, warmth, and tradition. They’re also practical: the ingredients are affordable, the steps are straightforward, and leftovers reheat beautifully for another meal.
Soup is also forgiving. If you need to substitute ham with turkey, or use low-fat milk instead of whole, the dish still comes out hearty and delicious. That flexibility makes it a favorite for seniors cooking at home or preparing meals for visiting family.
A Soup to Warm Your Heart and Home
On the coldest days, when the wind rattles the windows and the evenings feel long, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a bowl of this thick and creamy potato soup. Each spoonful is a reminder that food has the power to comfort, to heal, and to bring loved ones together.
