As the colder months set in and cozy vibes take over, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Rich, creamy, and bursting with mouthwatering flavors, this soup delivers all the comfort of a loaded baked potato—but in a warm, spoonable form. Whether you’re nourishing a weeknight dinner crew or feeding a holiday crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Let’s dive into the ultimate recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup—packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to warm your soul 🌟
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a rich pot of baked potato soup. Most of these are pantry staples, which means you’re probably halfway there already!
Main Soup:
- 4 large Russet potatoes (baked or microwaved, then peeled and diced)
- 6 strips of bacon (crispy cooked and chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for ultra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional But Recommended Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (stirred in or added as topping)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions or chives, thinly sliced
- Extra shredded cheese and sour cream for topping
🥣 Instructions
âś… Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Bake the potatoes beforehand for maximum flavor. You can:
- Oven method: Pierce the potatoes with a fork, rub with olive oil and salt, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, until soft.
- Microwave method (faster!):Â Pierce with a fork and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then peel and dice them into small chunks. You can mash some for extra creaminess later!
âś… Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot (or discard and use butter, if you prefer).
✅ Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot with bacon drippings:
- Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
âś… Step 4: Make the Roux
- Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden (this removes the raw flour taste).
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
- Add milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
âś… Step 5: Simmer and Blend
- Add the diced baked potatoes to the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For a chunkier texture, leave the soup as-is. For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup right in the pot. Or blend half the soup in a blender and return to the pot.
âś… Step 6: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Sour Cream
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in sour cream for a tangy touch.
- Mix in the cooked bacon (reserving some for topping!).
Taste and adjust seasonings.
🍲 Garnish and Serve!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each with:
- Crumbled bacon
- Extra shredded cheese
- A dollop of sour cream
- Sliced green onions or fresh chives
- Cracked black pepper
Serve hot with a side of crusty bread, buttery biscuits, or even a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s comfort food heaven.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Ultra creamy and comforting
- Perfect for meal prep or large gatherings
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the very definition of comfort food. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a bowl or serving it for a festive dinner, it never disappoints. The rich flavors, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and hearty potatoes are a match made in comfort heaven.
So go ahead—make it, eat it, love it. You deserve it. 💛
