The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Rich and creamy loaded baked potato soup beckons comfort lovers with its hearty embrace.

Potatoes crushed and blended create a velvety canvas for delightful toppings.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese dance across the surface, promising pure satisfaction.

Warm memories of cozy kitchens drift through each spoonful.

Sharp chives sprinkle a fresh green contrast against the smooth backdrop.

Weekend meal planning just found its perfect match with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Let’s transform simple ingredients into a soul-warming culinary experience you won’t forget.

Reheat Loaded Potato Soup For A Cozy Meal

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent separating cream.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and add extra cream or broth to maintain smooth texture.

What to Serve With Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Elevate Bacon's Crunch: Pair crispy bacon-topped soup with a hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) to complement the rich, smoky flavors and cut through the creamy texture.
• Chardonnay's Creamy Companion: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that mirrors the soup's velvety richness and enhances its cheesy, potato-based profile.
• Rustic Red Wine Match: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle earthiness that harmonizes with the potato's hearty character and balances the soup's creamy intensity.
• Craft Beer Comfort: Opt for a smooth, malty amber ale that echoes the soup's warmth and provides a gentle, complementary backdrop to the robust potato and bacon elements.

Egg Roll in a Bowl with Sauce and Veggie Variants

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or vegetarian bacon bits. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully plant-based version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream and sour cream with coconut milk and cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy, cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option. Keep the same creamy base and toppings, but use cauliflower as the main ingredient.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and a dash of cumin to the soup. Top with cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip bacon. Use plant-based cheese and coconut cream for dairy-free options.

• How can I make the soup thicker?

Mash more potatoes or add instant potato flakes to increase thickness. You can also use a cornstarch slurry for extra thickening.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and break down easily, creating a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also excellent alternatives.

• Is this soup healthy?

While delicious, it’s high in calories and fat. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce cheese quantity, and add more vegetables.

Why Loaded Baked Potato Soup Wins Hearts

• Quick Comfort Dish: Whip up this hearty soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combines classic loaded baked potato ingredients like crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy texture that everyone from kids to adults will love.
• Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like green onions, jalapeños, or different cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses simple, affordable ingredients found in most kitchens, making it an economical option for feeding a family or group without breaking the bank.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Mix

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for creamy, thick soup with a rich texture. Choose firm, smooth-skinned potatoes without sprouts or green patches.
• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy flavor and essential savory notes. Thick-cut bacon works best for maximum crunch and flavor impact.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese provides rich, tangy flavor and melts smoothly into the soup. Opt for aged cheddar for more intense taste.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety soup base with creamy consistency. Full-fat versions deliver best flavor and texture.
• Butter: Helps build smooth soup foundation and enhances overall richness.

• Chicken Broth, Garlic, Onion: Foundation of soup's savory flavor profile. Fresh garlic provides more robust taste than pre-minced versions.
• Green Onions or Chives: Fresh, mild onion flavor as garnish adds brightness and visual appeal.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall soup flavor. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

How To Put Together Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown and crisp.

Remove from pan, let cool, and crumble into small pieces.

Set aside for topping later.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Base

Melt butter in a large pot.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Potato Soup Foundation

Drop in chicken broth, cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer.

Cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially crush some potatoes.

This technique helps thicken the soup and create a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Enrich with Dairy Delights

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese

Stir continuously and simmer until the soup becomes smooth and creamy, with the cheese fully melted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Crumbled bacon
• Extra cheese
• Chopped chives

Serve piping hot in deep bowls, allowing the toppings to create a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Baked Potato Soup – Tricks For Richness And Creamy Consistency

• Select russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest, most luxurious soup texture.
• Lower heat when adding dairy and stir constantly to keep the soup smooth and silky.
• Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version or use vegetarian bacon bits for plant-based diets.
• Adjust consistency by adding more chicken broth if too thick or mashing more potatoes for extra density.
• Consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika during sautéing for richer taste complexity.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting loaded baked potato soup delivers hearty warmth with classic potato goodness and rich toppings. Each spoonful brings creamy Wisconsin cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and green onion garnish that promise delicious satisfaction for hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Hearty Ingredients:

• 4 Russet potatoes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) bacon
• 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Liquid and Broth Components:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 onion
• 2 green onions or chives
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a skillet until golden and crisp, then crumble into rustic pieces and reserve for garnishing.
2. Melt butter in a substantial pot, incorporating finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, adding chunky potato cubes seasoned with salt and pepper, then elevate heat to achieve a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow potatoes to soften completely, periodically mashing some against the pot’s side to create a naturally thickened texture.
5. Introduce heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent scorching, then fold in shredded cheese and dollops of sour cream until the soup transforms into a luxuriously smooth consistency.
6. Gently heat the soup, ensuring cheese melts completely without bringing to a full boil.
7. Ladle the creamy potato soup into warm bowls, generously garnishing with reserved crispy bacon fragments, additional cheese sprinkles, and freshly chopped chives.
8. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting and indulgent dining experience.

Notes

• Ensure bacon is super crisp for maximum crunch and flavor contrast in the soup.
• Leave some potato chunks whole while mashing others to create a perfect creamy-chunky consistency.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that maintains similar comfort food vibes.
• Substitute bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth to create a meat-free alternative that still delivers rich, smoky flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg