Loaded Baked Potato Soup

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This Loaded Baked Potato Soup brings all the cozy vibes of a baked potato straight into a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness. With crispy bacon, melted cheddar, tangy sour cream, and a touch of green onion, every spoonful is a savory treat that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The soup is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main dish, especially when paired with a chunk of warm bread. It’s the ultimate solution for a chilly day or whenever you’re craving something rich, filling, and nostalgic. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just cooking for yourself, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth

3 cups milk
5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
3 green onions, sliced

Extra shredded cheddar and cooked bacon for topping

Directions:

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth.
Add the diced potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot for a creamier texture.
Stir in sour cream, cheddar cheese, and half the cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with remaining bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Loaded Baked Potato Soup

When the weather turns cold and the nights grow longer, there’s one dish that always finds its way onto the dinner table Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Rich, creamy, savory, and packed with the indulgent flavors of a classic baked potato, this soup is more than just a meal it’s a warm embrace in a bowl.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comfort food classic, inspired by the timeless combination of baked potatoes topped with butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and chives. Instead of piling those toppings onto a baked spud, this recipe transforms them into a velvety soup that delivers the same flavors in every spoonful with even more creaminess.

Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a rainy day, impress your dinner guests, or find a satisfying make-ahead meal for the week, this soup fits the bill. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction with every bite.

The Origins and Appeal

Though the origins of potato soup can be traced back to European cuisines especially Ireland and Germany the “loaded” version is distinctly American. It plays off the American love for loaded baked potatoes, a steakhouse staple that took off in popularity in the late 20th century.

The combination of hearty potatoes with rich dairy, smoky meats, and sharp cheese was destined to become a soup. The result is an all-in-one dish that’s both rustic and gourmet simple enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned foodies.

Why Everyone Loves Loaded Baked Potato Soup

There are a few key reasons why Loaded Baked Potato Soup is so widely beloved:

Comforting and Hearty
The creamy base, the soft chunks of potato, and the rich toppings create a fulfilling dish that feels like a warm blanket. It’s a go-to meal when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a little TLC.
Customizable
You can adapt the ingredients to your preferences or dietary needs. Make it vegetarian, spice it up, add more veggies, or load on more toppings this soup is flexible and forgiving.

One-Pot Wonder
It’s made in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes and easier cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Make-Ahead Friendly
This soup stores well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Serving Suggestions

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is so hearty it can stand alone, but here are some delicious pairings that elevate your meal:

Crusty Bread or Garlic Knots: Perfect for soaking up every last drop.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Make it a combo meal with a crispy, gooey sandwich.

Side Salad: A fresh green salad adds brightness and balance to the creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for a touch of color and nutrition.

To serve, garnish your bowl with extra shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon crumbles, and freshly chopped chives. The toppings are half the fun make it your own!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Soup

Want to take your potato soup from good to great? Here are some pro tips:

Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal. They break down slightly while cooking, adding body and creaminess to the soup.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep a few chunks intact for texture. A mix of mashed and whole potatoes gives the soup its signature feel.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Stir in the cheese after removing the pot from the burner. This helps prevent it from becoming grainy.

Blend for Smoothness (Optional): For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or blend half the soup and mix it back in.
Double the Bacon: Reserve some for garnish and stir the rest in the more, the merrier.

Variations to Try

While the classic version is unbeatable, there’s no harm in putting your own spin on it. Here are some creative variations:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra umami.
Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.

Broccoli Cheddar Twist: Add chopped broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor think broccoli-cheddar meets baked potato.
Loaded Sweet Potato Soup: Substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more colorful version.
Southwestern Style: Top with corn, black beans, green onions, and pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex vibe.

Storing and Reheating

Loaded Baked Potato Soup stores very well, making it a meal-prep favorite. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Note: The texture may change slightly due to the dairy, but stirring well during reheating will help restore the creamy consistency.

Tip: If you’re planning to freeze it, consider adding the cheese and sour cream after reheating for best texture.

Is Loaded Baked Potato Soup Healthy?

While not exactly diet food, there are ways to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor:

Use Low-Fat Dairy: Swap whole milk and sour cream for low-fat or Greek yogurt.

Increase Veggies: Add cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to up the fiber and vitamins.
Skip or Limit the Bacon: Turkey bacon or tempeh bacon can be lighter alternatives.
Use Less Cheese: A strong cheddar can deliver more flavor even in smaller amounts.

At the end of the day, this soup is about balance. It’s rich, yes but when enjoyed in moderation and paired with healthier sides, it fits beautifully into a wholesome lifestyle.

Conclusion:

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is more than a dish it’s an experience. It’s the kind of food that wraps you in a hug, delivers comfort on the gloomiest days, and pleases palates of all ages. Its nostalgic flavors, velvety texture, and simple preparation make it a timeless addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

Whether you’re making it for your family on a weeknight, preparing it ahead for lunches, or serving it up at a fall gathering, this soup has the power to impress and satisfy. So grab your ladle, top it off with all the fixings, and dive into a bowl of creamy, cheesy, potato-filled joy.