The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe: Pure Comfort Magic

Comfort meets pure deliciousness in this loaded baked potato soup that promises to warm your heart and soul.

Creamy textures blend with crispy bacon bits for an irresistible dining experience.

Hearty potatoes take center stage, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Kernels of corn and sharp cheddar cheese add unexpected bursts of flavor.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine in surprising ways.

Cheese-loving friends will adore each spoonful of this comforting classic.

Dig into a bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each type will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.

• Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace bacon with crispy mushrooms or vegetarian bacon bits for a similar smoky flavor.

• How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken the soup, add more mashed potatoes or let it simmer longer. To thin it out, gradually add more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Why Loaded Baked Potato Soup Satisfies Cravings

• Savor Comfort in a Bowl: This hearty soup delivers pure comfort with its rich, creamy texture and classic potato flavors that wrap you in warmth like a cozy blanket.
• Master Flexible Cooking: The recipe adapts easily to different cooking methods, allowing you to use either oven or microwave for potato preparation, making it perfect for home cooks with varying kitchen setups.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with beloved ingredients like crispy bacon, melted cheese, and smooth potatoes, this soup guarantees smiles around the dinner table for both kids and adults.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can transform basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality soup that impresses without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Ingredients That Build Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base and creamy texture of the soup.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, rich flavor and crispy topping to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation for the soup's comforting consistency.

• Butter, Flour: Work together to create a roux that thickens the soup and adds richness.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Contribute to the soup's smooth and luxurious texture.
• Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream: Provide tangy flavor and additional creaminess to the soup.

• Onions, Garlic: Bring depth and savory notes to the soup's overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's taste.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a light, sharp flavor and visual appeal.

How to Prepare Loaded Baked Potato Soup Well

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Wash and pierce potatoes with a fork. Bake in the oven or microwave until completely soft and tender.

Once cooled, peel the skin and roughly mash the potatoes into chunky pieces.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

Place bacon in a large pot over medium heat.

Cook until the bacon becomes wonderfully crispy and golden brown. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the delicious bacon fat in the pot.

Step 3: Saute Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

Introduce butter and flour to the pot.

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux that will thicken the soup.

Step 5: Build Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream

Blend carefully to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth liquid base.

Step 6: Incorporate Potatoes

Add the mashed potatoes into the liquid mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix until the cheese melts completely and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

• Crumbled bacon
• Extra cheese
• Chopped green onions

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup Flavor

• Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-packed twist on this classic soup.
• Use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely to create a vegetarian version that's just as delicious.
• Prevent lumpy soup by whisking the roux and liquid mixture slowly and consistently to ensure smooth texture.
• Enhance flavor by roasting garlic before adding to the soup for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the soup's creamy consistency.

Flavor Boosts That Enhance Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add mushroom for umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Healthier Low-Fat Option: Use turkey bacon, skim milk, and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Add cauliflower for extra volume and nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Garnish with cilantro and a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.

Side Dishes That Go Well with Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls, creating a warm welcome for chilly evenings and satisfying comfort food cravings.
• Loaded Potato Bar: Set up a DIY topping station with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and extra sour cream, letting everyone customize their soup experience.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up every delicious creamy spoonful of the soup.
• Weekend Gathering Centerpiece: Present the soup in a large cast-iron pot at family gatherings, allowing friends and relatives to serve themselves family-style with warm ladles.

How to Store Loaded Baked Potato Soup Properly

• 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 potential texture changes.
• Transfer soup to shallow containers to help it cool faster and ensure even chilling.
• Label the container with the date to track storage time.

Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty loaded baked potato soup delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen in Wisconsin. Rich potato base blends creamy textures with crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onion garnish you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 12 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Protein and Aromatics:

• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 12 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cook potatoes at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender, then carefully remove skin and create rustic potato chunks.
2. Render bacon in a heavy-bottomed stockpot until golden and crisp, transferring pieces to paper towel while reserving rendered fat.
3. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in bacon drippings for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Create a smooth roux by incorporating butter and flour, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Slowly incorporate chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure silky consistency.
6. Fold mashed potatoes into liquid mixture, allowing soup to gently simmer for 8-10 minutes to develop rich flavors and thicken.
7. Reduce heat and blend in sharp cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until harmoniously combined.
8. Ladle steaming soup into bowls, garnishing with reserved crispy bacon crumbles, additional shredded cheese, and thinly sliced green onions for vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly cooked potatoes by piercing them with a fork before baking to prevent bursting and ensure even cooking.
• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of chicken broth or cream, creating a texture that suits your preference.
• Make this soup gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when creating the roux.
• Reduce calories by using turkey bacon, low-fat milk, and Greek yogurt instead of traditional high-fat ingredients while maintaining rich flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg