June 16, 2026 · 35 min

Loaded Baked Potato Chowder with Pancetta and Cheddar

Side Dish35 min1029 cal / serving

Imagine all the best parts of a fully loaded baked potato-crispy bacon bits, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar and fresh scallions-transformed into a velvety, spoonable soup. This loaded potato chowder delivers that same indulgent experience in every bowl, with a rich and creamy base that’s both satisfying and comforting.

To balance the richness, we’ve included a bright and crunchy apple salad on the side. The combination of tender potatoes, savory pancetta and a tangy green salad makes this a complete meal that will warm you from the inside out.


Recipe details

Side Dish35 min1029 cal / serving4 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1029 kcalProtein48.5 gFat57.1 gCarbs74.1 gSugar25.8 gFiber4.5 gSodium1813 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: containsCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Yukon Gold Potatoes36 ounce Yukon Gold PotatoesView ingredient guide
Yellow Onion1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guide
Scallions2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guide
Garlic4 clove GarlicView ingredient guide
Flour2 tablespoon FlourView ingredient guide
Milk13.5 ounce MilkView ingredient guide
Pancetta4 ounce PancettaView ingredient guide
Apple1 unit AppleView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Dijon Mustard2 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guide
Sour Cream8 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Cheddar Cheese1 cup Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guide
Mixed Greens4 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guide
Vegetable Oil2 teaspoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guide
Olive Oil2 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all produce. Peel the potatoes and cut them into ½-inch cubes. Halve, peel and dice the onion. Trim the scallions, then thinly slice them, keeping the white and green parts separate. Mince the garlic.
  2. Heat a large drizzle of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion and scallion whites. Cook, stirring, until very soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the flour and cook until pasty, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, adding just a little at a time, stirring until fully incorporated.
  3. Once all the milk is incorporated, add the potatoes, 2¼ cups water and the chicken stock concentrates to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes.
  4. While the soup simmers, heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, tossing often, until crispy, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Meanwhile, core and halve the apple, then slice into thin half-moons. Halve the lemon and squeeze 1½ tablespoons of juice into a large bowl. Add the Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl and whisk to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  5. Once the potatoes are tender, lightly mash the mixture in the pot until mostly smooth but with a few potato chunks remaining. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly, then stir in half of the sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  6. Add the apple slices and mixed greens to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the soup among bowls and top with the crispy pancetta, remaining cheddar and scallion greens. Dollop with the remaining sour cream. Serve the salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

For a thicker chowder, mash the potatoes more thoroughly. For a chunkier texture, leave more potato pieces intact.

If you don’t have chicken stock concentrate, you can substitute with 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the water accordingly.

FAQ

Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?

Yes, you can substitute pancetta with bacon. Cook it until crispy and crumble it before topping the soup.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the soup and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the pancetta and use vegetable stock concentrate instead of chicken. You can also add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

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