Irresistible Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Creamy, Comforting, and Crowd-Pleasing
Comfort food reaches its peak when rich, creamy textures meet bold, familiar flavors, and Irresistible Loaded Baked Potato Soup delivers exactly that experience. Inspired by the classic loaded baked potato, this soup transforms simple pantry ingredients into a luxurious, spoon-worthy meal that feels indulgent yet comforting. Every bite brings together velvety potatoes, savory bacon, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic, creating a dish that satisfies cravings while warming you from the inside out.
Perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or cozy weekends at home, this soup has earned its place as a timeless favorite. The balance of creamy broth and hearty toppings makes it both filling and versatile. Whether served as a main course or a starter, loaded baked potato soup offers the kind of homemade goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Russet potatoes (peeled, diced) | 4 large | 640 |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | 400 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 12 |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup | 110 |
| Whole milk | 2 cups | 300 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 400 |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 3 cups | 45 |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups | 660 |
| Cooked bacon (crumbled) | 6 slices | 270 |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | 240 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Green onions (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 5 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes
Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Base
Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. - Add Liquids
Slowly whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. - Combine Potatoes and Cheese
Add cooked potatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. - Finish the Soup
Reduce heat and mix in sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Use an immersion blender to blend partially for a creamy-yet-chunky texture. - Garnish and Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with bacon crumbles, green onions, and extra cheese.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Extra Creamy: Blend the soup completely for a smooth, restaurant-style texture.
- Healthier Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap bacon for smoked paprika or roasted mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420–460 kcal |
| Protein | 14–16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–35 g |
| Fat | 28–32 g |
| Fiber | 3–4 g |
| Calcium | 25% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
- Top with extra cheese, bacon, or chives for a classic loaded presentation.
- Offer as a starter alongside grilled sandwiches or roasted vegetables.
Irresistible Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Creamy, Comforting, and Crowd-Pleasing
6
servings15
minutes30
minutes420-460
kcalIngredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| ——————————- | ——————– |
| Russet potatoes (peeled, diced) | 4 large |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 3 cups |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Cooked bacon (crumbled) | 6 slices |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Green onions or chives | 2 tbsp (for garnish) |
Directions
- Cook Potatoes:
- Boil diced potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make Roux:
- Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Liquids:
- Slowly whisk in broth, milk, and cream. Stir until the mixture thickens.
- Add Potatoes & Cheese:
- Stir in cooked potatoes and shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish Soup:
- Reduce heat and mix in sour cream, salt, and pepper. Blend partially if desired.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, extra cheese, and green onions.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Texture Control: For a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes or blend a larger portion. For a chunkier texture, blend only a small amount or skip blending altogether.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FAQs
1. Can I make loaded baked potato soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
2. Can I freeze loaded baked potato soup?
You can freeze it, but for best results, freeze the soup without sour cream and cheese. Add those ingredients when reheating to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
3. What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down easily and create a naturally creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well for a slightly buttery flavor.
4. How do I thicken loaded baked potato soup?
If the soup is too thin, let it simmer longer or mash more of the potatoes. You can also add a small cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.
5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the bacon, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms for a rich, savory flavor.
Conclusion
Irresistible Loaded Baked Potato Soup brings together everything people love about comfort food—creaminess, bold flavor, and satisfying textures—into one unforgettable bowl. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe that fits both casual weeknights and special gatherings. Once you experience the rich, hearty goodness of this soup, it’s bound to become a staple in your comfort food rotation.
