Thank you so much for being here! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you stopping by to check out one of my all-time favorite cozy recipes: Baked Potato Soup. Right after a long day or during a chilly evening, there’s absolutely nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of this homemade goodness. If you’re a fan of all things hearty and satisfying, you’re going to fall head over heels for this one!
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Overview of Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is everything you love about a fully-loaded baked potato — think crispy bacon, gooey cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh green onions — but served up in the most deliciously creamy, steamy bowl. It’s rich, filling, and surprisingly easy to make, even on busy weeknights.
Reasons to Love This Baked Potato Soup
- Incredibly comforting: It feels like a warm hug with every spoonful.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy — just pantry basics and fridge staples.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or keep it classic!
- Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, meaning tomorrow’s lunch is sorted!
What Does Baked Potato Soup Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite baked potato, mashed up with buttery creaminess and punctuated by crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and bright green onions. Each bite is rich yet perfectly balanced with a light, savory depth that’ll keep you coming back for “just one more spoonful!” (Spoiler: You’re going to want a second bowl.)
Benefits of Baked Potato Soup
Not only does this soup feel like self-care in a bowl, but it’s also packed with energy-boosting carbs, a good amount of protein (thanks, bacon and cheese!), and it’s naturally gluten-free if you need it to be. Plus, you can easily sneak in some extra veggies if you’re feeding picky eaters!
Ingredients for Baked Potato Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy soup:
- 4 large russet potatoes, baked and cooled
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
- Extra shredded cheese
- More sour cream
- Chives
- Crumbled bacon
- Hot sauce (for a little kick!)
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Potato masher (or just a sturdy fork)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Potatoes: You can swap in Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally buttery texture.
- Milk and Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon works wonderfully if you’re looking for a leaner option.
- Cheese: Try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a fun flavor twist!
- Extra Veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition.
How to Make Baked Potato Soup Step-by-Step
- Bake the Potatoes: Bake your potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 50 minutes until tender. Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and roughly mash it. (Leave a few chunks — texture is everything!)
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes), then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Build the Base: Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Potatoes and Dairy: Stir in the mashed potatoes, milk, and heavy cream. Let everything simmer gently, stirring often, until thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Add the Goodies: Stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, more cheese, green onions, and whatever your heart desires!
Visual Tip:
The smell when this is simmering on your stove is absolutely incredible — buttery, savory, and totally mouthwatering!
What to Serve with Baked Potato Soup
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Grilled cheese sandwiches (for the ultimate cozy meal!)
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans
If you’re looking for other comforting meals to pair with this, you have to try my Hot Honey Feta Chicken — it brings a sweet-spicy twist that’s perfect alongside a creamy soup like this!
Tips for Making the Best Baked Potato Soup
- Don’t over-mash the potatoes: You want some texture for that real “baked potato” vibe.
- Use real cheddar cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
- Simmer gently: Boiling can cause the dairy to separate and make the soup less creamy.
- Taste and adjust: Add a little more salt, pepper, or cheese until it’s perfect for your palate.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen it up.
Freezing Tip:
You can freeze baked potato soup, but because of the dairy, it might change texture slightly. If you do freeze it, reheat slowly and whisk well.
General Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: About 6 hearty bowls
- Difficulty level: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked potato soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can even add sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory punch!
Can I use leftover baked potatoes?
YES! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover baked potatoes — just peel, mash lightly, and jump right into the soup-making!
How thick should the soup be?
It’s up to you! If you like it super thick, simmer it a bit longer. Prefer it thinner? Add a splash more broth or milk until you reach your ideal consistency.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels like it’s wrapping you in a warm hug, this Baked Potato Soup is IT. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with all the good stuff. And bonus — it’s super easy to make with everyday ingredients!
For dessert, how about something easy and refreshing like my No-Bake Lemon Dazzling Blueberry Cream Cake? It’s the perfect sweet ending after a rich meal.
Or, if you’re feeling like adding another hearty meal to your menu this week, don’t miss my Bacon Fried Rice — another bacon-packed wonder that’s anything but boring!!
Please don’t forget to leave a review and share your delicious creations on Pinterest — I would LOVE to see them! You can tag me here! 🥰
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Baked Potato Soup
Nothing says cozy like a bowl of this creamy, loaded Baked Potato Soup! It’s everything you love about a baked potato — cheesy, smoky, and packed with flavor — all wrapped up into a warm, comforting soup perfect for chilly nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 6 hearty servings 1x
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: 16gAmerican
Ingredients
-
4 large russet potatoes, baked and cooled
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6 slices bacon, diced
-
1 medium yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
-
1 ½ cups whole milk
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
½ cup sour cream
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
3 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
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Bake the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 50 minutes or until fork-tender. Let cool, then scoop out the flesh and roughly mash.
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
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Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in the mashed potatoes, milk, and heavy cream. Simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
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Add shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Ladle into bowls, garnish with crispy bacon, more cheese, green onions, and any of your favorite toppings. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Notes
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Texture tip: Don’t mash the potatoes too smoothly — a few small chunks give the soup that perfect baked potato feel!
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Cheese matters: Shred your own cheddar for the creamiest melt. Pre-shredded cheese can make the soup a little grainy.
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Lighter option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even more milk for a lighter version.
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Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use veggie broth. Try topping with sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory hit!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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