Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of warm soup on a chilly day, and this loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate cozy dish. Packed with the familiar flavors of a classic baked potato—creamy potatoes, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions—this soup is rich, hearty, and full of delicious layers. In this article, you’ll discover how to make this indulgent and comforting loaded baked potato soup from scratch, plus tips for customization and serving ideas that will make it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded baked potato soup is the perfect marriage of comfort food and indulgence, making it a dish that’s hard to resist. The creamy base, made from potatoes and broth, is luxuriously smooth and velvety, with just the right amount of thickness to coat every spoonful. The addition of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions gives it all the flavors of a classic baked potato—only in soup form!

This soup is also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a meal on its own or as a side dish. The combination of textures—from the creamy base to the crunchy bacon and the melt-in-your-mouth potatoes—will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to serve on a cold winter day, loaded baked potato soup is sure to hit the spot.

Its warming, savory flavors make it a go-to comfort food that appeals to almost everyone. Even better, it’s customizable—add more cheese, use a different type of bacon, or throw in a variety of herbs and seasonings to make this soup your own. It’s not just a meal; it’s a savory hug in a bowl.

Recipe Details

Loaded baked potato soup is a dish with humble origins, inspired by the classic baked potato. It brings together the comforting flavors of a baked potato, minus the fuss of baking each individual potato. The key to this recipe is creating a creamy, smooth base from the potatoes and broth, then layering in flavors that elevate the dish.

The main technique involves cooking diced potatoes until tender, blending some of them into the soup to create the desired thickness, and leaving the rest in chunks for texture. From there, the soup base is enriched with sour cream for creaminess and cheddar cheese for sharpness. The bacon, which is crisped and crumbled, adds a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the soup.

Culturally, baked potato soup has gained popularity as a hearty dish served at many American family gatherings, holiday meals, and in many restaurant menus across the country. The dish is perfect for potlucks, where its warm and rich flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser. The fusion of familiar ingredients makes it an accessible dish, and its ability to be customized means it can adapt to any palate.

Nutritional Information

While loaded baked potato soup is undeniably delicious, it’s also a dish that packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. A single serving of this soup contains a significant amount of calories, which come from the creaminess of the potatoes, cheese, sour cream, and bacon. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and their nutritional benefits:

Potatoes: The base of the soup, potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. While potatoes can be high in carbs, they provide a great source of energy and are naturally fat-free.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese offers a good dose of calcium and protein. However, it’s also high in saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.
Bacon: Bacon is rich in protein and adds that satisfying crunch and smoky flavor, but it is also high in sodium and saturated fats. Choosing a leaner cut of bacon or using turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative.
Sour Cream: Sour cream contributes to the soup’s creamy texture, offering some calcium and fat. You can opt for low-fat or non-fat sour cream for a lighter version.

This loaded baked potato soup is definitely a filling meal, but it can be made healthier by adjusting some of the ingredients. Using reduced-fat cheese or sour cream, swapping regular bacon for turkey bacon, or increasing the vegetable content with additions like broccoli or cauliflower can make it more balanced without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

To make this rich and satisfying loaded baked potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Russet potatoes (4-5 medium): These are the ideal choice for creamy soup due to their starchy texture. They break down easily, thickening the soup while maintaining their chunkiness.
Bacon (6 strips): Use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and crispiness. You can substitute with turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a tangy richness that balances the flavors and enhances the creaminess of the soup.
Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides a flavorful base. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Green onions (2 stalks): Adds a fresh, crisp topping that complements the richness of the soup.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing the onions and adding richness to the soup.
Flour (¼ cup): Thickens the soup and helps create the creamy texture.
Milk or cream (1 cup): For added creaminess and smooth texture.

Equipment Needed

To make this delicious loaded baked potato soup, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment. Here’s a quick rundown:

Large pot or Dutch oven: This is the primary cooking vessel for making the soup. A Dutch oven is ideal as it distributes heat evenly, allowing the soup to simmer gently.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the soup and ensuring that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Potato masher or immersion blender: A potato masher works well for mashing some of the potatoes to thicken the soup, while an immersion blender allows you to puree the soup for a smoother consistency.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping the potatoes, onions, and other ingredients.
Grater: To shred the cheddar cheese. You can also use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but fresh cheese will melt more smoothly.

You don’t need fancy equipment for this soup, but having the right tools will make the process easier and more efficient.

Pro Tips For Success

To make the best loaded baked potato soup, follow these expert tips to ensure success every time:

Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: While you want your potatoes to be tender, avoid overcooking them until they break apart into mush. Cook them until they are just tender, then mash some and leave others in chunks for a satisfying texture.
Balance the Creaminess: For a rich, creamy texture, be sure to add the milk or cream gradually, and adjust to your preferred consistency. If you want a thicker soup, use less liquid; for a thinner version, add more.
Crisp the Bacon Well: The bacon provides an essential crunch to the soup, so make sure you cook it until it’s crispy. This enhances both the texture and flavor of the soup.
Use Fresh Herbs and Seasonings: Green onions are the traditional topping, but fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives add an extra layer of flavor. Be sure to season the soup well with salt, pepper, and other spices like garlic powder or paprika for depth.
Customize the Cheese: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Just make sure it melts well.

By paying attention to these details, you’ll create a perfectly balanced and flavorful soup every time.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to make your loaded baked potato soup:

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small cubes. This allows for even cooking and better texture when blending.
Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the pot and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Sauté the Onions: In the same pot, using the rendered bacon fat, sauté the chopped onions for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add a pinch of salt to enhance their sweetness.
Make the Soup Base: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to form a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Mash about half of the potatoes with a potato masher to thicken the soup.
Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the milk (or cream), sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Season the Soup: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, additional cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe is already indulgent, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly soup. You can replace the bacon with roasted vegetables like mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup some heat. This balances the creaminess with a spicy contrast.
Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, swap the potatoes for cauliflower. It provides a similar texture and will make the soup lighter while still being delicious.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and vegetable broth to make this a vegan-friendly dish.

Storage Instructions

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, simply heat it gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To do this, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding more liquid if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe is delicious on its own but can be paired with a variety of sides to make a complete meal:

Garlic Bread: Serve with freshly baked garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.
Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the soup.
Grilled Cheese: For an extra indulgent pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich complements the soup’s creamy texture.

Present the soup in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and extra cheese on top for visual appeal. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds extra flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato? Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal for their texture and starch content, you can use Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor or red potatoes for a firmer texture.
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
How can I make this soup spicier? Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup? Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to make a vegan-friendly version.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Just be sure to add extra liquid when reheating, as it may thicken.

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or a party starter, this soup is bound to be a favorite. Its versatility allows you to adjust ingredients to suit your preferences, and with a few simple tips, you can create a bowl of soup that’s rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Don’t wait—try this loaded baked potato soup recipe today and indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience!