Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Comfort arrives in a creamy bowl of loaded baked potato soup that warms every corner of your heart.

Winter’s chill melts away with each rich, velvety spoonful.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese dance across the surface, creating a symphony of flavors.

Tender potatoes nestle beneath a blanket of smooth, seasoned broth.

Green onions add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness.

This soup delivers a hearty embrace that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Grab a spoon and savor every decadent bite of this soul-satisfying classic.

Why Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: Whip up a soul-warming soup packed with hearty potato goodness that comes together faster than traditional stew recipes.
  • Customize with Ease: Top this creamy soup with your favorite garnishes like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or fresh green onions to personalize each bowl.
  • Maximize Leftover Magic: Transform extra baked potatoes into a delicious meal, reducing food waste and creating a budget-friendly dinner option that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this soup appeals to everyone from kids to adults with its rich, satisfying flavors.

Gather Everything for Hearty Potato Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth base for the soup.
  • Flour: Serves as a thickening agent for the soup's creamy texture.
  • Milk: Creates the liquid foundation and adds creaminess to the soup.
  • Baked Potatoes: The star ingredient that gives the soup its hearty potato flavor and texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creamy richness to the soup.
  • Sour Cream: Provides a smooth, tangy element that balances the soup's richness.
  • Bacon: Offers a smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture.
  • Green Onions: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the dish.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the soup.

Cooking Instructions for a Creamy Soup

Step 1: Butter and Flour Dance

Grab a large pot and let the butter melt over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and let them waltz together for about 2 minutes, creating a smooth, golden base that’ll make your soup incredibly creamy.

Step 2: Milk Magic Transformation

Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly.

Watch the mixture transform and thicken over 5-7 minutes, stirring with love and patience until it reaches a velvety consistency.

Step 3: Potato Power Mash

Crush those baked potatoes right into the pot, breaking them down into delightful chunks.

Let them merge into the creamy mixture, adding rustic texture and hearty flavor.

Step 4: Flavor Explosion

Toss in your delicious toppings:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions

Sprinkle salt and pepper to awaken all the hidden flavors.

Stir everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop

Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring.

This allows all the incredible flavors to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 6: Serve with Celebration

Pour the soup into bowls and crown it with extra:
  • Bacon crumbles
  • Cheese sprinkles
  • Green onion confetti

Enjoy your comforting, soul-warming loaded baked potato soup!

Tips for Rich, Satisfying Potato Soup

  • Whisk flour and butter carefully to create a smooth roux, ensuring no clumps form when adding milk.
  • Partially mash potatoes for a rustic, chunky soup that retains some potato pieces for hearty bites.
  • Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the ideal seasoning without overwhelming the dish.
  • Use room temperature milk and stir constantly while heating to prevent scorching and create a silky smooth consistency.
  • Crisp bacon separately and sprinkle just before serving to maintain crunchiness and add a fresh, textural contrast.

Potato Soup Twists to Try Tonight

  • Veggie Lover's Potato Soup: Replace bacon with roasted vegetable medley like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort Soup: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and swap cheese with nutritional yeast for a creamy alternative.
  • Lean Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or diced ham instead of bacon for a protein-packed meal, keeping the same creamy potato base.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate soup that maintains the rich, comforting texture.

Bowl Presentation and Serving Suggestions

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this rich soup into deep, oversized mugs for a warm, inviting presentation that feels like a hug in a bowl.
  • Loaded Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, shredded sharp cheddar, and freshly chopped green onions on top to create a delicious texture explosion.
  • Bread Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic toast to soak up every creamy spoonful of this hearty soup.
  • Salad Sidekick: Complement the soup with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy richness.

Potato Soup Storage, Done Right

  • Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding fresh toppings before freezing.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
  • Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when soup is evenly heated and hot throughout.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-cooked potatoes for this soup?

Yes, leftover baked or boiled potatoes work perfectly. Just mash them and add to the soup base as the recipe suggests.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love the cheesy, bacon-filled flavor and creamy texture of this comfort food. You can adjust seasonings to make it milder.

  • How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and add extra cheese for richness.

  • What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most flavor, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for added complexity.

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Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Loaded Baked Potato Soup delivers comfort in each creamy spoonful, blending rich potato goodness with crispy bacon and melted cheese. Warm winter nights find perfect satisfaction with this soul-warming bowl that connects family and friends around delicious simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Protein:

  • 6 large russet potatoes
  • 6 slices of bacon

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 4 green onions
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then whisk in flour, creating a smooth roux and cooking for approximately 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  2. Gradually incorporate milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and allow the mixture to thicken for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
  3. Break down baked potatoes directly into the pot, mashing them thoroughly to create a rich, textured base for the soup.
  4. Fold in shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences and balancing the flavors.
  6. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and allow ingredients to meld together.
  7. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with additional crispy bacon crumbles, cheese sprinkles, and fresh green onion slices for extra visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Choose starchy, russet potatoes for the creamiest and most authentic potato soup texture.
  • Pre-bake potatoes ahead of time to save cooking preparation and enhance deeper flavor development.
  • Slowly whisking milk prevents lumpy sauce and ensures smooth, silky consistency.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or plant-based diets.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 423 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 641 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 2.7 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 88 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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