The Creamiest Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Ever Made

Comfort arrives with this hearty loaded baked potato soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Creamy textures mingle with crispy bacon bits for an irresistible combination.

Russet potatoes create a rich base that feels like a culinary hug.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly throughout the broth, adding depth and character.

Green onions sprinkled on top bring a fresh crunch to each serving.

Fragrant herbs whisper subtle notes that complement the robust potato foundation.

Slurp this soup and feel the magic of home-cooked goodness dance across your palate.

Baked Potato Soup: What to Use

• Potatoes: Hearty base that gives the soup its signature texture and comfort.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, silky consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds depth and creamy richness.
• Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient that balances the soup's richness and adds a cool note.

• Bacon: Crispy, smoky element that provides a salty crunch and intense flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds a deep, savory flavor foundation.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the overall dish.

• Flour: Used to create a roux and thicken the soup's consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and complexity to the soup.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Creamy Cooking Steps

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes

Get your oven toasty at 400°F.

Grab your potatoes and give them a few fork pokes.

Slide them onto a baking sheet and let them bake until they’re super soft and tender, around an hour.

Once they’re cool enough to handle, peel and chop them into yummy bite-sized chunks.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Grab a skillet and cook the bacon until it’s gloriously crispy.

Pull out the bacon strips and crumble them into delightful bits.

Set these crunchy treasures aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the kitchen smells amazing and the veggies turn soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Create a Silky Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir to create a smooth roux.

Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Pour in Creamy Goodness

Add milk and heavy cream to the pot.

Keep stirring and let the mixture warm up to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Build Flavor Layers

Fold in the roasted potato chunks.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Let everything simmer and mingle for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxuriously smooth texture.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls.

• Crumbled bacon
• Extra cheese
• Chopped green onions

Dive in and enjoy your comforting masterpiece!

Baked Potato Soup Cozy Prep Tips

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the creamiest, most luxurious soup texture that melts perfectly in every spoonful.
• Whisk flour slowly and consistently into melted butter, ensuring a smooth base that guarantees a silky, clump-free soup consistency.
• Cook bacon at medium-low heat to render fat evenly and achieve maximum crunchiness without burning the delicious meat pieces.
• Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, velvety cheese incorporation.
• Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk, use turkey bacon, and opt for reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter, diet-friendly version of this comforting soup.

Loaded Potato Soup That Warms Back Up Nicely

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing toppings like bacon or fresh green onions.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until thoroughly warmed, about 5-7 minutes.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

Cozy Sides for Baked Potato Soup

• Savor Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, creamy soup with a medium-bodied Chardonnay that balances the soup's hearty flavors and cuts through its creaminess.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a crisp amber ale or wheat beer with malty undertones that enhance the potato and bacon notes without overwhelming the delicate soup texture.
• Bacon Lover's Side Kick: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough bread or crispy garlic toast to provide a crunchy contrast and help soak up the delicious soup base.
• Herb Freshness Booster: Sprinkle fresh chives or green onions as a garnish to add a bright, zesty element that lifts the soup's heavy profile and introduces a light, fresh dimension.

Simple Changes For Baked Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh bacon. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and extra protein.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option. Keep all other ingredients the same. Roast cauliflower before adding to create deeper flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Soup: Add diced jalapeños and chorizo for a kick. Incorporate cumin and chili powder. Top with cilantro and crispy tortilla strips instead of traditional garnishes.

FAQs

• What makes this loaded baked potato soup different from other potato soups?

This version uses actual baked potatoes instead of boiled, which provides a deeper, richer potato flavor and a more authentic texture that sets it apart from traditional recipes.

• Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked bacon works perfectly if you want to save time. Just crumble it and add it as a topping, maintaining the same delicious crispy texture and smoky flavor.

• Is this soup suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

Unfortunately, this recipe contains significant dairy with milk, heavy cream, cheese, and sour cream, so it’s not ideal for those with lactose intolerance. You would need to substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

You can reduce calories by using low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Additionally, you can increase vegetable content by adding extra diced vegetables like carrots or celery during the sautéing stage.

Why Loaded Baked Potato Soup Feels So Satisfying

• Tackle Simple Comfort: Whip up this loaded baked potato soup with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Prep and cook this hearty soup in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a warm, satisfying dinner after long days.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Create a personalized soup experience by offering optional toppings like bacon bits, extra cheese, and green onions, allowing everyone to craft their perfect bowl at the table.
• Cozy Cold-Weather Champion: Enjoy a rich, creamy soup that provides ultimate warmth and comfort during chilly evenings, transforming a simple potato dish into a luxurious dining experience.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy “loaded baked potato soup” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your bowl. Rich potato goodness blends perfectly with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onion garnish, inviting you to savor each hearty spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, baked
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Thickening and Garnish Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by heating the oven to 400°F (200°C), carefully piercing russet potatoes with a fork, and roasting them until completely tender, approximately 1 hour.
2. While potatoes bake, transform bacon into crispy morsels by frying in a skillet until golden and crunchy, then crumble and reserve for garnishing.
3. In a robust cooking vessel, melt butter and introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
4. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, creating a silky roux that will thicken the soup’s consistency, then gradually incorporate chicken broth, whisking meticulously to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Stream milk and heavy cream into the developing base, maintaining a gentle heat and constant stirring to prevent scorching.
6. Integrate roasted potato chunks, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoky paprika, then allow the mixture to simmer gently, developing depth of flavor.
7. Enrich the soup by melting sharp cheddar cheese and folding in tangy sour cream until the texture becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy.
8. Present the soup in warming bowls, adorning with crisp bacon fragments, additional cheese sprinkles, and delicate green onion slices for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure potatoes are thoroughly baked for a creamy, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
• Drain excess bacon fat for a lighter version of the soup, keeping the rich flavor intact.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or sharp white cheddar for a unique twist.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting bacon with smoked paprika and using vegetable broth for depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg