Name: Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 3 green onions, sliced; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup sour cream (for topping, optional)

When the temperature drops and cozy meals call your name, there’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of loaded baked potato soup. Creamy, cheesy, and generously topped with crispy bacon and green onions, this soup transforms the classic comfort of a baked potato into a soul-warming dish. Whether you’re curling up for a quiet night in or feeding a crowd, this recipe checks all the boxes.

What sets this soup apart is how incredibly hearty it is without being overly heavy. Every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of velvety potatoes, melted cheddar, and smoky bacon, with a dollop of sour cream to finish it off just right. It’s a dinner-time winner that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—but comes together in just about 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ultimate Comfort Food: This soup is creamy, savory, and full of nostalgic baked potato flavor.
Weeknight Friendly: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable Toppings: Pile on extra bacon, green onions, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Make-Ahead Ready: Tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, a bit of prep makes the cooking process seamless. Here are the essential tools and why they matter:

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for even heat distribution and enough space to simmer all ingredients together.
Potato Masher or Immersion Blender: Helps reach your preferred level of creaminess while still leaving some chunky bits.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Precise dicing of potatoes, onions, and bacon makes a difference in texture and flavor.
Ladle: For serving up those hearty bowls without mess.

Having everything ready will make cooking feel like a breeze, especially when the aromas start filling your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Russet Potatoes: The starchy foundation that breaks down beautifully into a creamy texture.
Onion: Adds savory depth and an aromatic base to the soup.
Garlic: Brings subtle pungency that enhances the overall flavor.
Chicken Broth: Creates a rich base and amplifies the savory notes.
Heavy Cream: Delivers silky smoothness for a truly indulgent spoonful.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty, and essential for that classic baked potato feel.
Bacon: Crisp and smoky—the ultimate topping and flavor booster.
Green Onions: Add fresh brightness and a hint of peppery bite.
Butter & Flour: Form a roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
Salt & Pepper: To season and balance all the flavors.

How To Make the Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In your large pot, melt butter and sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion-garlic mix to create a roux. Stir for 2-3 minutes, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Add diced potatoes and bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer to Soften

Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Mash or Blend

Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender for a creamier consistency. You can do a mix of both.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt through, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Crisp the Bacon

While the soup simmers, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Crumble and set aside.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.

Serving and Storing This Cozy Soup

Serve this soup piping hot, ideally with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. It also makes a great starter for a dinner party or holiday spread.

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! Yukon Golds also work well and add a buttery flavor, though they are slightly less starchy than russets.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Simply swap the chicken broth for veggie broth and skip the bacon. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of that savory depth.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Sauté your aromatics first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half. The texture will be a bit lighter, but still delicious.

Is it gluten-free?

As written, no—because of the flour in the roux. You can thicken it with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Just reheat slowly and add fresh toppings before serving.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this comforting bowl warmed your soul, try out these other Kitchen by Kate cozy favorites:

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup for a rich and rustic dinner.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup to spice things up.
Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet if you’re craving heat and protein.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for a creamy pasta night.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for those who want a hearty side.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you mash it smooth or leave it chunky? Did you go all-in on toppings?

I love hearing your variations and questions—we’re building a delicious community here, one spoonful at a time.