Creamy Baked Potato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Baked Potato Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Creamy baked potato soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, promising warmth during chilly evenings.

Potatoes roasted to golden perfection create a rich, velvety base for this hearty dish.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating magic in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Crispy bacon bits and green onions add delightful texture and surprising depth.

Cheese melts smoothly, blending seamlessly with the soft potato chunks.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you stir this soul-satisfying recipe into your meal rotation.

Curl up with a bowl and let each bite transport you to culinary bliss.

Baked Potato Soup That Warms the Soul

  • Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warm, creamy goodness with classic potato and cheese flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delicious soup in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this soup appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy texture and familiar ingredients.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Play with toppings like crispy bacon, fresh green onions, or extra cheese to make each serving uniquely yours and keep everyone excited about dinner.

Ingredients for Baked Potato Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Baked and mashed potatoes create the hearty foundation of this creamy soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the soup.
  • Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create a creamy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and thickness of the soup.
Thickening and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Butter: Helps create a smooth roux and adds depth of flavor.
  • Flour: Used to thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
  • Sour Cream: Provides additional creaminess and a slight tang.
Garnish and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
  • Bacon, Green Onions: Optional toppings that add crunch and fresh flavor.

How to Prepare Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Create A Flavor Base

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk vigorously to form a smooth, golden roux.

This technique creates a rich foundation for your soup that helps thicken and add depth of flavor.

Step 2: Build The Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour chicken broth into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Keep stirring until the mixture becomes completely smooth and silky. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a calm simmer.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Goodness

Pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring consistently. Allow the mixture to slowly thicken and develop a luxurious, velvety texture.

Watch as the soup transforms into a creamy masterpiece.

Step 4: Incorporate Potato Magic

Break down baked potatoes into chunks or mash them completely.

Fold the potatoes into the soup, stirring thoroughly to distribute the potato goodness throughout the liquid. The potatoes will add incredible texture and hearty flavor.

Step 5: Elevate With Cheesy Perfection

Add these ingredients:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Top the soup with:
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra cheese

Serve piping hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Tips for Rich Baked Potato Soup

  • Ensure the roux is smooth and free of lumps by whisking flour and butter thoroughly before adding broth.
  • Use leftover baked potatoes for extra flavor and to reduce cooking time.
  • Prevent milk from curdling by adding it slowly and maintaining a low simmer.
  • Customize thickness by adjusting the amount of chicken broth or cream.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey bacon.

Flavor Variations to Try with Baked Potato Soup

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and bacon with crispy mushroom bits for a plant-based version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk and cream with almond milk and coconut cream, using nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and top with cilantro and a dash of chipotle powder for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with riced cauliflower to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the creamy soup experience.

Pairings for Baked Potato Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the creamy soup into deep ceramic mugs, perfect for wrapping cold hands around during chilly evenings.
  • Loaded Potato Soup Bar: Set up a topping station with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and extra sour cream so guests can customize their bowls.
  • Hearty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop of the rich soup.
  • Wintertime Meal Ensemble: Pair with a crisp winter salad featuring mixed greens, sliced apples, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness.

Best Storage for Baked Potato Soup

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain its creamy texture.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

  • Is this soup healthy?

While delicious, the soup is rich due to butter, cream, and cheese. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a comfort food, not an everyday meal.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based cheese and bacon alternatives, and follow the same cooking method.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and create a creamy texture when mashed. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling varieties.

  • How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Continue simmering to reduce liquid, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and slowly stir into the soup until desired consistency is reached.

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Creamy Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Baked Potato Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy homemade baked potato soup combines rustic comfort with hearty ingredients from traditional American kitchens. Cheese, bacon, and green onions elevate this classic soup, making each spoonful a warm embrace you’ll savor until the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 large russet potatoes, baked and peeled
  • 4 cups (950 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (475 milliliters) milk
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Protein and Toppings:

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high heat until completely melted and bubbling.
  2. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, golden roux that develops a rich, nutty aroma.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the roux gradually, continuously stirring to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky base.
  4. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce temperature to a low simmer, maintaining a smooth consistency.
  5. Incorporate milk and heavy cream, stirring consistently until the liquid transforms into a velvety, thickened texture.
  6. Break down baked potatoes into rustic chunks, then fold them into the simmering liquid, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
  7. Introduce shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated, creating a luxurious, creamy foundation.
  8. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste and stirring thoroughly to blend all flavors.
  9. Dollop sour cream into the soup, gently swirling to create a rich, tangy undertone.
  10. Garnish with crispy bacon bits, finely chopped green onions, and an additional sprinkle of cheese for a final flourish.
  11. Serve immediately while piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a roux that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Use starchy russet potatoes for the creamiest texture, ensuring they’re fully baked and tender before mashing into the soup.
  • Roast garlic or add a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the soup’s depth and complexity without overwhelming the classic potato soup profile.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, satisfying consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 313 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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