Loaded Baked Potato Soup

There’s something so soul-satisfying about a warm bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. It’s the perfect combination of creamy texture, savory flavor, and cozy warmth — the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Inspired by the classic loaded baked potato, this soup brings together all the same toppings — crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream — but transforms them into a luxuriously rich soup.

This dish is ideal for cold winter evenings, casual family dinners, or when you just need a bit of comfort food to lift your spirits. With its velvety base, hearty potato chunks, and flavorful toppings, it’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Loaded Baked Potato Soup because it has everything I crave in comfort food — it’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The balance between smooth potato puree and soft chunks gives it an unbeatable texture. Plus, the toppings make it customizable — you can go as simple or as decadent as you like!

It’s also incredibly versatile — great as a main dish or a side, easy to make ahead, and freezer-friendly. And best of all, it captures all the nostalgic flavors of a baked potato bar but in a spoonable, cozy form.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic comfort food with a gourmet twist.
• Perfectly creamy without being too heavy.
• Customizable toppings for every palate.
• Kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and easy to prepare.
• Freezer-friendly for future comfort meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (varies by toppings)

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Soup / Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add onions to the pot and cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
3. Add potatoes and broth: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (15–20 minutes).
4. Make the roux: In a small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
5. Combine and blend: Stir the milk mixture into the soup. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend until desired consistency (smooth or chunky).
6. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until creamy.
7. Add toppings: Stir in half the cheese and half the bacon. Reserve the rest for garnish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and prepare all toppings.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the remaining bacon fat, cook onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until soft.

Step 5: Prepare the Roux
In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.

Step 6: Combine and Thicken
Stir the milk mixture into the soup. Blend partially for a creamy consistency while keeping some potato chunks.

Step 7: Season and Add Toppings
Add cheese, bacon, and seasonings. Stir until cheese is melted.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls and top with sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon, and green onions.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve this soup piping hot in deep bowls.
Top with:

• A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• A dollop of sour cream
• Freshly chopped chives or green onions

For an even heartier meal, serve it with:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• A light green salad
• A warm biscuit or cornbread on the side

Recipe Tips

• Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best creamy texture.
• Don’t over-blend; leaving some chunks adds great texture.
• For a thicker soup, simmer longer or add extra mashed potato.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness.
• Add cheese slowly to prevent curdling.

Variations

1. Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup:
   Add steamed broccoli florets for extra color and nutrition.
2. Loaded Sweet Potato Soup:
   Substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, earthy twist.
3. Spicy Jalapeño Potato Soup:
   Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick of spice.
4. Vegetarian Version:
   Use vegetable broth and omit bacon. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.
5. Bacon Ranch Potato Soup:
   Stir in 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix for tangy flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in containers for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove, stirring in a little milk to restore creaminess.

Note: Avoid freezing if made with sour cream — it can separate. Add sour cream fresh when reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Saucepan (for roux)
• Potato masher or immersion blender
• Ladle
• Whisk

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish — rich, creamy, and filled with the flavors of everyone’s favorite baked potato. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to warm your soul with every spoonful.

From cozy weeknight dinners to comforting weekend meals, this soup is a must-have in every home cook’s collection. So grab your potatoes, crisp up that bacon, and make yourself a bowl of happiness — one spoonful at a time.