The aroma of loaded baked potato soup wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine creamy potatoes mingling with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your palate, inviting you back for more bites.

Every spoonful is like a comforting memory from childhood, where family dinners meant laughter, stories, and bowls brimming with warmth. This loaded baked potato soup isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia served in a bowl. Perfect for gatherings or those quiet nights when you crave something hearty and delicious, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and fill your soul with happiness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This loaded baked potato soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, offering a creamy texture that’s utterly satisfying
- Visually appealing with its vibrant toppings, this soup will be the star of any dinner table
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients, it suits all tastes!
I remember the first time I made this soup for my friends during a game night; their faces were priceless as they savored every bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Russet Potatoes: Choose firm potatoes for the best texture; they hold up well in soups.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds that wonderful crunch and smoky flavor; don’t skip it!
Onion: A sweet onion enhances the soup’s flavor; sauté until translucent for best results.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the taste; use minced or crushed for maximum flavor impact.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels without sacrificing richness.
Heavy Cream: For that indulgent creaminess; feel free to substitute with half-and-half if you prefer lighter.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the soup; use freshly grated for optimal melting.
Green Onions: These add freshness and color as a topping; slice them thinly for that perfect crunch.
Sour Cream: A dollop on top adds tanginess and creaminess to each serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into small cubes for even cooking. Set aside while you prep other ingredients.
Sauté Bacon & Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon but leave bacon grease in the pot. Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and fragrant.
Add Garlic & Potatoes: Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Toss in your cubed potatoes along with chicken broth, ensuring everything is submerged.
Simmer Away: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender enough to mash slightly.
Blend & Creamify: Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a blender) and blend until smooth but still slightly chunky. Stir in heavy cream while heating gently on low heat.
Toppings Galore: Serve hot in bowls topped with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for that final touch of decadence!
This loaded baked potato soup will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds—trust me!
Now grab your ingredients and let’s create something delicious together!
You Must Know
- This loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creaminess with rich flavors
- The delightful aroma of bacon and fresh herbs fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug on a cold day
- Perfect for chilly evenings and easy to customize!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then sauté onions and garlic in the drippings. Add potatoes, broth, and seasonings, simmer until tender, then blend for creamy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this soup with toppings like sour cream, chives, or extra cheese. You can also swap out potatoes for cauliflower for a lighter version.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain its creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For smoother soup, use an immersion blender instead of a regular blender
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning levels as needed
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a vibrant touch!
Creating this loaded baked potato soup always brings back memories of cozy family nights when everyone gathered around the table, laughing and enjoying each spoonful together.
FAQ
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I thicken my loaded baked potato soup?
To thicken, add more potatoes or a cornstarch slurry while simmering until desired consistency is reached.
What toppings work best with loaded baked potato soup?
Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives for added flavor and texture.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Warm your soul with this loaded baked potato soup, a comforting blend of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, each spoonful offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will transport you back to cozy family dinners. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and diced
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the onion in the bacon drippings until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Blend the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth but slightly chunky. Stir in heavy cream and heat gently on low.
- Serve hot topped with crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg