Chili’s Baked Potato Soup Recipe: Creamy, Hearty, and Restaurant-Style Comfort

Chili’s Baked Potato Soup is a creamy, indulgent soup that has earned a spot in the hearts of comfort-food lovers everywhere. Imagine the perfect combination of tender baked potatoes, rich cream, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of green onions, all blended into a velvety soup that warms the soul. Recreating this restaurant favorite at home allows you to enjoy the indulgence anytime without leaving your kitchen.

This soup balances richness with flavor. The baked potatoes provide a hearty base, while cheese and cream add depth and silkiness. Bacon delivers a smoky crunch, and green onions give a fresh, mild bite that perfectly complements the creaminess. Making it at home gives you control over the ingredients, so you can adjust the thickness, richness, and seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a detailed ingredient list for Chili’s Baked Potato Soup, including approximate calorie counts per serving:

Ingredient	Quantity	Approx. Calories
Russet potatoes, peeled & diced	4 cups	520 kcal
Bacon, cooked & crumbled	6 slices	270 kcal
Cheddar cheese, shredded	1 cup	450 kcal
Onion, chopped	1 medium	45 kcal
Garlic, minced	3 cloves	15 kcal
Chicken broth, low sodium	4 cups	60 kcal
Heavy cream	1 cup	800 kcal
Butter	2 tablespoons	200 kcal
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons	55 kcal
Salt & black pepper	To taste	0 kcal
Green onions, chopped	¼ cup	10 kcal
Optional toppings: sour cream, extra cheese, bacon bits	As desired	100–150 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1: Prepare the Bacon and Aromatics

Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2: Cook the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot along with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

3: Make the Soup Base

In a small bowl, whisk flour with a bit of heavy cream until smooth. Slowly stir into the simmering soup to thicken. Add remaining heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

4: Blend or Mash (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture.

5: Season and Serve

Stir in crumbled bacon and green onions, reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with optional toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, or bacon bits.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

1. Cheese Variations: Use smoked cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
2. Add Protein: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or ham for a heartier soup.
3. Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream to reduce calories.
4. Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for subtle heat.
5. Vegetable Boost: Add corn, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
6. Texture Preference: Blend completely for creamy soup or leave potato chunks for a rustic feel.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450–600 kcal
Protein	15–20 g
Carbohydrates	40–50 g
Fat	25–35 g
Fiber	4–6 g
Sodium	700–900 mg*

Serving Suggestions

Chili’s Baked Potato Soup is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty bread or garlic breadsticks
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Side of roasted vegetables
• Toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or chives for added flavor and presentation

Serve in warm bowls and garnish just before serving for restaurant-style presentation.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Chili’s Baked Potato Soup can be prepared a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.

2. Can I make the soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added richness, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or roasted mushrooms.

3. How can I make the soup thicker or creamier?

For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid slightly. You can also blend part of the potatoes with an immersion blender or mash some with a fork for added creaminess.

4. Can I use pre-cooked or leftover baked potatoes?

Yes! Leftover baked potatoes can save cooking time. Simply dice them and add toward the end of cooking to warm through before adding cream and cheese.

5. Can I freeze Chili’s Baked Potato Soup?

Yes, but for best results, freeze the soup without cheese and toppings. Add fresh cheese, bacon, and green onions when reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Chili’s Baked Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it an irresistible comfort food for any occasion. With tender potatoes, melted cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions, this recipe brings the indulgence of a restaurant-style soup to your home kitchen. Versatile, customizable, and simple to prepare, this baked potato soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy meals during cold weather, or when you want a flavorful, hearty dish that pleases the entire family.