Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

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There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of soup to wrap you in comfort on a chilly day, and this Loaded Baked Potato Soup hits all the right notes. It’s thick, hearty, and loaded with the classic toppings you love—crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and green onions. Imagine all the flavors of your favorite baked potato, transformed into a velvety soup that warms you from the inside out.

Perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends, this soup is not just filling but also incredibly easy to make. It brings together everyday ingredients in a way that feels special yet fuss-free. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd, this dish never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup checks every box for comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and full of rich potato flavor. It’s also super customizable—make it extra thick, go light on the cheese, or add extra toppings to suit your taste.

Best of all, it comes together in one pot with minimal prep, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults, so it’s an easy dinner win every time.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, russet potatoes are the top choice for this soup. They break down beautifully when cooked, giving the soup a rich, velvety texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup with more bite, Yukon Golds are a great alternative as they hold their shape better.

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Ingredients for the Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the depth and richness of this dish:

• Russet Potatoes – These are the base of the soup, offering starchy, fluffy goodness that breaks down into a creamy texture.
• Onion & Garlic – These aromatics add a savory depth and foundational flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth – Acts as the liquid base, infusing the soup with a subtle savory richness.
• Heavy Cream – Adds a luxurious creaminess and smooth texture that makes the soup ultra-satisfying.
• Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the soup and provides that unmistakable cheesy kick.
• Sour Cream – Mixed in or dolloped on top, it adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm soup.
• Bacon – Cooked until crispy and crumbled over the top, it brings smokiness and crunch.
• Green Onions – Fresh and vibrant, they brighten the rich flavors with a bit of bite.
• Butter & Flour – Used to make a quick roux, helping to thicken the soup perfectly.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.

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How To Make the Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by frying bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven until it’s crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add butter to the pot and sauté diced onions until soft. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This mixture will help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to break up any lumps. Add peeled and cubed russet potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, puree part of the soup directly in the pot to create a creamy base while keeping some potato chunks for texture.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Goodness

Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Let everything melt and meld together, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, more shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions.

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How to Serve and Store Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup serves 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for a family meal or for saving some leftovers. Serve it hot, right after adding your favorite toppings.

To store, let the soup cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well without the toppings for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring often, and add toppings just before serving.

What to Serve With Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A golden, melty grilled cheese is the ultimate partner to a bowl of this creamy soup. Dip and enjoy!

Side Salad

Lighten up the meal with a fresh green salad with vinaigrette—the crispness balances the richness of the soup.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the bowl.

Roasted Veggies

Try roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots to add color and nutrition to your meal.

Apple Slices or Fruit Salad

For a sweet contrast, fresh fruit works wonders to cleanse the palate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Prepare it ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon. You can add smoky flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika.

3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it without the toppings. Let it cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and reheat on the stove.

4. Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour to thicken. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch slurry.

5. How do I thicken or thin out the soup?
To thicken, cook it a bit longer uncovered or mash more potatoes. To thin it out, add extra broth or milk gradually.

Looking for more cozy meal ideas? Check out our One-Pot Chicken Alfredo or Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup for more comfort food inspiration!

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