Loaded Potato Soup Recipe: A Creamy Comfort Food for Cold Days (Pork-Free Version)
Loaded potato soup is a classic comfort food that warms both the body and the spirit. This pork-free version keeps everything you love about creamy, hearty potato soup while replacing pork-based ingredients with flavorful alternatives. Instead of bacon and ham, this recipe uses savory turkey bacon and smoked turkey to add richness, depth, and satisfying texture — all without any pork.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family, cooking for seniors who appreciate nostalgic homemade meals, or simply craving something cozy on a cold evening, this recipe captures all the comfort and flavor you expect from loaded potato soup.
Why This Recipe Works
This pork-free recipe is crafted to deliver the same bold, comforting flavor profile without using any bacon or ham. Here’s why it still works perfectly:
Balanced Flavor Building
Turkey bacon and smoked turkey add smoky, savory notes, giving the soup depth without relying on pork.
Creamy, Velvety Texture
The combination of butter, flour, milk, and potatoes creates a smooth, thick base that’s irresistible.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Everything is easy to find, budget-friendly, and familiar, making the soup perfect for families and seniors.
Flexible and Customizable
You can adjust the soup’s consistency, flavor, and add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Pork-Free Loaded Potato Soup
Here are the updated ingredients:
12 oz turkey bacon
1 ½ cups chopped onion
6 cups chicken broth
2 lb baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
⅔ cup butter
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup diced smoked turkey (or cooked chicken)
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
2 ½ cups (10 oz) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
¾ cup sliced green onions, divided
Turkey bacon provides crispiness, while smoked turkey or chicken offers hearty, savory flavor without the use of any pork.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Pork-Free Version)
1. Cook the Turkey Bacon and Onion
Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove, crumble, and set aside. Use a small amount of the rendered fat (or 1 tablespoon of butter if preferred) to sauté the chopped onions until soft and fragrant.
2. Simmer the Potatoes
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the cooked onion, chicken broth, and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Make the Roux
Melt the butter in a skillet over low heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Slowly add 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Build the Soup Base
Pour the roux mixture into the pot with the potatoes and broth. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, along with salt and pepper. Continue heating until the soup thickens.
5. Add Fillings
Stir in the diced smoked turkey, half the crumbled turkey bacon, sour cream, 2 cups of Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of green onions. Heat until the cheese melts and the soup is warm and creamy.
6. Serve
Top each bowl with additional turkey bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Pork-Free Potato Soup
Use Russet potatoes for the creamiest texture.
Cook turkey bacon fully so it stays crispy on top.
Season gradually to avoid oversalting.
For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.
Use high-quality Cheddar for the smoothest melt.
Serving Suggestions
Although hearty enough on its own, this soup pairs beautifully with:
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
A fresh green salad
Roasted vegetables
Light desserts like apple crisp or oatmeal cookies
It also works well for family-style serving, with toppings placed in small bowls so everyone can personalize their dish.
Why Seniors Love This Pork-Free Version
This recipe is:
Affordable
Easy to prepare
Comforting and nostalgic
Flexible with ingredients
Soft and easy to enjoy
Seniors can easily substitute ingredients or adjust the recipe for dietary needs.
A Cozy, Pork-Free Soup for Every Occasion
This pork-free loaded potato soup offers all the warmth and nostalgia of the classic recipe without any bacon or ham. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Every spoonful delivers comfort — creamy potatoes, melted cheese, savory turkey, and a touch of freshness from green onions.