Loaded Potato Soup: The Ultimate “Everything but the Kitchen Sink” Comfort Bowl

A cozy bowl of creamy, veggie-loaded potato soup topped with sour cream, crispy bacon, and herbs. From @cooksbya via Black Foodie Finder.

---

Introduction: A Soup That Feeds the Soul and Clears the Crisper

This Loaded Potato Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a vibe. You know those meals that come together with whatever you’ve got in the fridge and still manage to taste like love in a bowl? That’s what this is. Often referred to as the “everything but the kitchen sink” soup, it welcomes all your leftover veggies, seasonings, and pantry staples and turns them into a rich, creamy masterpiece.

It’s got roots in soul food and home cooking culture—where stretching ingredients into nourishing meals is not just a skill, it’s a tradition. From cabbage to carrots, leeks to garlic, and those hearty gold potatoes, this soup keeps it real and comforting. Perfect for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or warming up your soul after a long day, this dish is the essence of Black home kitchen magic.

Ingredients: What You Need

• 5-6 Yukon gold potatoes, chopped
• 1 head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 small crown of broccoli, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 leek, sliced
• 6-8 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 oz bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp miso paste
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Seasoning Mix (combine in a small bowl):
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Veggies

Wash, peel, and chop all your vegetables: potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, celery, onion, shallot, leeks, and garlic. Keep everything in separate bowls for easy layering during cooking.

2. Cook the Bacon

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside. Keep the bacon fat in the pot.

3. Sauté Aromatics

To the bacon fat, add the butter, then toss in onions, shallots, leeks, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until they begin to soften and become fragrant.

4. Add the Miso

Add a spoonful of miso paste to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to dissolve the paste into the mix—it adds a deep umami kick.

5. Add Veggies + Broth

Next, add shredded cabbage and chopped broccoli. Stir them in and pour in the chicken broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to break down the cabbage.

6. Add Seasoning

Stir in HALF of your seasoning mix. Save the other half for later. Let the veggies simmer to absorb all the flavor.

7. Add Potatoes + Cream

Drop in the chopped potatoes and pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir well and add the remaining seasoning. Simmer until the potatoes are soft—about 20 minutes.

8. Taste + Adjust

Taste your soup and adjust the salt or seasoning if needed. The creaminess, veggies, and smoky bacon flavor should all come through beautifully.

9. Top + Serve

Serve hot with a generous dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Pair with soft dinner rolls for a full comforting meal.

The colorful crew of fresh vegetables that bring this soup to life—healthy, hearty, and full of flavor.

About the Creator

This soulful, veggie-packed Loaded Potato Soup comes from @cooksbya, a passionate home chef featured by Black Foodie Finder. Known for bringing warmth and flavor to every dish, @cooksbya uses everyday ingredients and turns them into masterpieces that speak to tradition and creativity. You can follow more of her comforting meals and cooking vibes at Instagram.com/cooksbya.