Cozy Winter Loaded Potato Soup (Creamy & Budget-Friendly)

A cozy bowl of creamy loaded potato soup topped with chives, vegan cheese, and a dollop of sour cream — perfect for cold winter days.

How to Make Loaded Potato Soup Creamy Without Dairy

Ingredients

Soup Base

2-1/2 lbs. Russet Potatoes (about 5–6 medium), peeled & diced

1 Medium Yellow Onion, diced

3 Cloves Garlic, minced

3 cups Vegetable Broth

1 cup Unsweetened Plant Milk (soy or oat works best, but any will do)

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (or Vegan Butter)

1 tsp Salt (plus more to taste)

1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp Black Pepper (optional)

Creamy Finish

1/4 -1/2 cup Vegan Sour Cream (or plain unsweetened vegan yogurt)

Optional: 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast for extra richness

Loaded Toppings (optional but recommended)

1/4 cup Vegan Cheddar Shreds

1/4 cup Plant-Based Bacon Bits or Vegan Chorizo

Chopped Chives or Green Onions

Extra dollop of Vegan Sour Cream

Pinch of Paprika or Cracked Pepper

This cozy winter loaded potato soup is the kind of recipe that feels both nourishing and indulgent, made with simple pantry staples that come together into something deeply comforting. It’s rich and creamy without being heavy, perfect for slow evenings, leftovers the next day, and moments when you just want something warm and grounding. This is comfort food you can return to again and again.

Ingredients

Heat oil or vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir to coat.

Pour in broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 15–18 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving chunks for texture.

(Or remove 2 cups, blend smooth, and return to pot.)

Stir in plant milk and vegan sour cream/yogurt. Simmer uncovered 5 minutes until thick and heated through.

Adjust salt and pepper. This soup should taste comforting and savory, not bland.

Top each bowl with vegan cheese, smoky bits, chives, and a final dollop of sour cream.