Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Creamy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Hello, my cozy food-loving friend! On chilly nights or days when you just need a big hug in food form, nothing beats a bowl of loaded baked potato soup. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely loaded (pun intended!) with all the good stuff—crispy bacon, green onions, melted cheese, and hearty potatoes. I love it because it feels like a full meal in a bowl, and the flavors remind me of those loaded baked potatoes you get at a steakhouse, but in warm, spoonable comfort food form.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

What makes this soup so irresistible is the combination of creamy potatoes and all the toppings that make baked potatoes so amazing. Each bite gives you that satisfying mix of rich broth, tender chunks of potato, and melty cheese with smoky bacon. Plus, it’s customizable—you can make it lighter, richer, or even vegetarian depending on what you like. And the best part? It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Nutritional Benefits

Potatoes often get underestimated, but they’re a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber (especially if you leave a little skin on!). The soup is also hearty thanks to the protein in cheese and bacon. Of course, this dish leans indulgent, but balance it with a crisp side salad, and you’ve got a cozy, satisfying meal that truly hits the spot.

Fun Variations You Can Try

• Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk and skip the heavy cream for a lighter broth.
• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use veggie broth—top with sautéed mushrooms for a smoky, meaty vibe.
• Extra Cheesy: Stir in a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for gooey, melty goodness.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

The Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings.
2. Add butter to the pot. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and softened.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
5. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
6. Stir in milk, cream, sour cream, and cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in half of the bacon pieces.
8. Ladle into bowls and top with remaining bacon, extra cheese, and green onions.

Helpful Tips

• Want an extra-thick soup? Use less broth or mash more potatoes.
• Make it ahead! The flavors deepen overnight—just reheat gently before serving.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat beautifully.
• For a fun serving idea, serve in bread bowls for an extra-comforting touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but skip the sour cream until after reheating since it can separate when frozen.
2. Do I have to peel the potatoes? Not at all! Leaving some skin on adds flavor, texture, and extra nutrients.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely—cook potatoes, onions, and broth on low for 6–7 hours, then stir in dairy and cheese at the end.
4. What toppings work best? Classic bacon, cheese, and green onions are perfect, but you can also try jalapeños, chives, or even crispy fried onions.

Final Thoughts

Loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and topped with all your favorite fixings. It’s one of those recipes I make when I want to slow down and enjoy something warm and satisfying. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! And don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest so you can come back to it whenever those comfort food cravings hit. 🥣✨