Loaded Baked Potato Soup 🥔🧀🥓
Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor — this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl! With crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tender potatoes, it’s like your favorite loaded baked potato turned into a cozy, hearty soup. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or game day!
Ingredients:
Main Soup Base:
4 large russet potatoes, baked and peeled
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a little kick)
Toppings & Mix-ins:
6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
4 green onions, sliced
Extra shredded cheese and bacon for garnish
Instructions:
- Bake the potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and pierce the potatoes with a fork.
Bake for 45–60 minutes until tender. Let them cool slightly, then peel and roughly mash them. Set aside.
- Make the soup base:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the liquids:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth.
Stir in the milk and cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the mashed potatoes, stirring until incorporated.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend for smoothness (optional):
For a silky soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup — or leave it chunky if you prefer a rustic texture.
- Load it up:
Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked bacon.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is melted and warmed through.
- Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with more shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and green onions.
Tips for the Creamiest Baked Potato Soup:
✔ Use freshly baked potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
✔ Want a lighter version? Sub half-and-half for heavy cream.
✔ Make it vegetarian by skipping bacon and using veggie broth.
⏲️ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Servings: 6 cozy bowls
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food you’ll crave all season long. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or curling up on the couch with your favorite show. 🥣✨