O’charley’s Potato Soup Recipe

O’Charley’s potato soup recipe is one of those comforting dishes that warms your soul with every spoonful. Creamy, rich, and packed with all the indulgent flavors of a classic loaded baked potato, it’s a fan favorite at the restaurant—and it’s easy to see why.

With hearty potatoes, savory bacon, cheddar cheese, and a hint of onion, this soup is the perfect balance of creaminess and smoky goodness.

Whether you’re trying to recreate a cozy night out at home or simply craving a bowl of ultimate comfort, this recipe will take you there in no time! Let’s dive into how you can bring this beloved dish into your own kitchen.

How To Make O’charley’s Potato Soup Recipe?

Recipe Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Main Course or Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6–8 servings

Equipment Needed

• Large stockpot
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Ladle

Ingredients

• 3 lbs yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 8 slices of bacon, crispy
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 7 cups whole milk
• 16 oz Velveeta cheese
• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Chopped chives (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook The Potatoes

First, I boil the potatoes in the chicken broth for about 10-12 minutes, just until they’re tender but not falling apart. Once cooked, I drain them and set them aside for later.

Crisp The Bacon

In the meantime, I fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy, flipping it halfway through. Then, I set it aside on a paper towel to drain the excess grease. Bacon adds that salty, savory crunch at the end.

Create The Cream Base

In the same stockpot, I melt butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, I whisk in the flour to make a roux. This step helps thicken the soup, so whisking continuously is key to avoid lumps.

Add The Creamy Ingredients

Next, I pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring it gently. I add both types of cheese—Velveeta for creaminess and cheddar for sharpness. Stir the mixture until the cheese melts completely. This takes about 10-15 minutes, so I keep an eye on it to prevent the bottom from burning.

Combine The Ingredients

Once the cheese is melted, I season the base with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I add the boiled potatoes and let everything simmer together on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve And Garnish

To serve, I ladle the soup into bowls and top each with crumbled bacon and chopped chives. The crispy bacon and fresh chives bring out the richness of the creamy potatoes.

Nutrition Facts Of O’charley’s Potato Soup Recipe

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 40 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg

Serving Suggestions Of O’charley’s Potato Soup Recipe

Pair With A Crunchy Side

This soup is so hearty, I like to serve it with a simple side, like a fresh garden salad or a crusty bread roll. Both options add a nice texture contrast to the creamy soup.

Add Some Spice

For those who like a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes works wonders. It balances out the richness beautifully.

Tips And Variations Of O’charley’s Potato Soup Recipe

Make It Lighter

If you want to lighten it up, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even just use milk. You could also replace some of the Velveeta with a lighter cheese to reduce calories and fat.

Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon would usually bring.

Health Benefits Of O’charley’s Potato Soup Recipe

Although this potato soup is more on the indulgent side, the potatoes offer a good source of fiber and vitamins, like Vitamin C and potassium. Cheese also provides calcium, which is great for bone health. However, this is a soup best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat content.

Note

What makes this soup so special is its flexibility. You can easily adjust it to suit your preferences, whether you want it extra cheesy or a bit lighter. For me, it’s the ultimate comfort food, and I love that I can whip it up whenever I need a warm, filling meal.

What Is The Best Thickening Agent For Potato Soup?

The best thickening agent for potato soup depends on the texture I want. I prefer using a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour. It adds richness and a smooth consistency.

Sometimes, I mash some of the cooked potatoes and stir them back in for a natural, creamy thickness. Cornstarch or heavy cream can also work if I want a gluten-free or extra creamy option.

Why Does My Potato Soup Have No Flavor?

Your potato soup might lack flavor for a few reasons. You may not have added enough salt. Potatoes absorb salt, so I always taste and adjust as I go.

Another reason could be under-seasoning with herbs or spices. I like to add garlic, onion, and pepper to boost the taste. If you use water instead of broth, that can also make the soup bland.

I prefer using chicken or vegetable broth for deeper flavor. Adding a splash of cream or a bit of butter can also enhance the richness of the soup.

Conclusion

This O’Charley’s-inspired potato soup is the perfect comfort food for any time of the year. Its creamy texture, savory bacon, and rich flavor make it an irresistible dish that’s easy to recreate at home.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy meal on a chilly evening or serving it alongside your favorite main courses, this potato soup is sure to satisfy.

Don’t forget to add your personal touch with extra toppings like cheese or green onions for added flavor. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do!