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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Easy with All Toppings

creamy loaded baked potato soup - featured image

A comforting and creamy baked potato soup loaded with toppings like sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, green onions, and sour cream. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to make in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet baking potatoes, scrubbed clean and baked until tender
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped crispy
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • Sour cream, for topping
  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
  • Optional: smoked paprika and garlic powder for seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prick potatoes with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes until skins are crispy and insides tender. Let cool slightly.
  2. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat if desired.
  3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter (and bacon fat if reserved) over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  4. Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook off raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
  6. Scoop flesh from baked potatoes, leaving skins behind. Roughly mash potato flesh with a fork or masher.
  7. Stir mashed potatoes into broth mixture. For smoother texture, blend partially with immersion blender, leaving some chunks. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in half-and-half or cream. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to taste.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

If soup gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen. Do not overblend to avoid gummy texture. Bake potatoes instead of microwaving for best texture. Use a roux to thicken soup properly. Adjust salt near the end as potatoes absorb salt. Bacon should be cooked crispy for best contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato soup, creamy soup, loaded potato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup