Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

A warm, comforting bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup has the magical ability to turn an average meal into a satisfying feast. Imagine the smooth, creamy base of the soup enveloping tender pieces of potato, enriched by crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions-each spoonful offering a delightful burst of flavor. It’s hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own but also pairs perfectly with a side salad or a crusty piece of bread.

But beyond its mouthwatering taste, this soup is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect go-to for both weeknight dinners and cozy weekend gatherings. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you through the process of making the ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup from scratch, with all the tips, variations, and ingredient insights you need to take it from good to great.

This recipe is simple, but it’s packed with flavor and perfect for satisfying the whole family. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a hearty, comforting soup that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen-without all the fuss.

Ingredients Needed

To make this Loaded Baked Potato Soup, here’s what you’ll need:

4 large russet potatoes – These are the star of the show! Their starchy texture makes them perfect for thickening the soup and creating that signature creamy base.
1 medium onion – A finely chopped onion adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor.
3 cloves garlic – Garlic brings that aromatic, savory punch that enhances the soup’s overall taste.
6 slices of crispy bacon – Bacon is the ultimate flavor enhancer, bringing a smoky, salty crunch that complements the creamy potatoes.
1 cup of sour cream – The sour cream adds tanginess, richness, and helps achieve that creamy texture.
2 cups of chicken broth – Chicken broth serves as the base liquid, infusing the soup with a subtle, savory flavor.
1 ½ cups whole milk – For that perfectly smooth and creamy texture.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – This is where the ’loaded’ aspect comes in! The melty, gooey cheese is essential.
Salt and pepper – For seasoning. You can always adjust based on taste.
Chopped green onions – For garnish. They add a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the richness of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Making Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a straightforward process that requires just a bit of patience to achieve the perfect creamy texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prep the potatoes: Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into cubes for quicker cooking. If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can microwave them for a few minutes before chopping.
Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove it from the pot, crumble it into small pieces, and set aside. Leave a little bit of bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.
Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add potatoes and broth: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to gently mash some of them right in the pot. This will help thicken the soup and give it that classic creamy texture. You can leave some chunks if you like a bit of texture in your soup.
Add the milk and sour cream: Pour in the milk and stir in the sour cream. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the soup is fully heated through.
Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and let it melt into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and extra shredded cheese if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup serves a unique purpose in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s break it down:

Russet potatoes: These potatoes have a high starch content, which makes them ideal for thickening soups. Their fluffy texture helps achieve the creamy, velvety consistency we want in this dish.
Bacon: Bacon isn’t just for crunch. Its salty, smoky flavor deepens the soup’s overall savory profile, adding layers of complexity. It also helps balance out the richness of the cream and cheese.
Sour cream: Besides adding a creamy base, sour cream introduces a subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness of the soup, making it less heavy on the palate.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese gives a robust flavor to the soup. It melts beautifully, adding that gooey, cheesy texture that’s so satisfying with each bite.
Chicken broth: The broth forms the liquid base, infusing the soup with savory depth. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Expert Tips

For a richer flavor: Consider swapping out the chicken broth for homemade broth or using heavy cream instead of whole milk. This will result in a thicker, richer soup with a luxurious mouthfeel.
Make ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day! The flavors meld together over time, so feel free to make it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Potato type: While russet potatoes are the most commonly used, you can also try Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor or red potatoes for a slightly firmer texture.
Perfectly crispy bacon: For the crispiest bacon, bake it in the oven instead of frying. This method ensures even cooking and reduces the mess.
Garnishes: Don’t skip the toppings! The crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and green onions add both flavor and texture contrast, making each bite more delightful.

Recipe Variations

If you’re in the mood to get creative, here are some variations to mix things up:

Add vegetables: For a more nutritious version, try adding veggies like carrots, celery, or even broccoli. These can be sautéed along with the onions or cooked with the potatoes for added flavor and texture.
Spicy twist: Add a bit of heat by tossing in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will add a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy base.
Vegan/Vegetarian version: To make the soup vegan, simply swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute the sour cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and cashew cream.
Loaded with extras: Go all in on the loaded aspect! Add crumbled sausage, extra cheese, or even some caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Words

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to time and again, whether you’re craving comfort food or trying to impress guests with minimal effort. Its versatility means it can be adapted to suit any occasion, dietary preference, or flavor profile. Plus, the creamy, savory goodness is hard to beat.

Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe