As the wind howls outside, there’s nothing like curling up with a bowl of warm, comforting loaded baked potato soup. The rich aroma of buttery potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese fills my kitchen, transporting me back to family dinners around the table. This creamy loaded baked potato soup is not just a delightful way to beat the chill; it combines the beloved flavors of a classic baked potato with the convenience of a soup. With quick prep time and a gluten-free option available, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this recipe promises both warmth and nostalgia. Are you ready to dive into a bowl of comfort today? Why is This Soup So Irresistible? Creamy Comfort: Each spoonful brings a velvety, rich texture that’s perfect for cozying up on chilly nights. Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and buttery potatoes creates a delightful symphony of flavors. Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with different cheeses or toppings like jalapeños for a kick, making it uniquely yours. Quick & Easy: With simple prep and cooking steps, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in no time, perfect for busy schedules. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family dinners or gatherings, this loaded baked potato soup always wins hearts! Pair it with some crunchy croutons or a hearty Baked Ziti Cheesy for an unforgettable meal. Loaded Baked Potato Soup Ingredients • Dive into this delightful recipe with a list of essential ingredients! For the Soup Base Russet Potatoes – The ideal choice for a creamy and hearty texture, perfect for this loaded baked potato soup. Chicken Broth – Use gluten-free broth if needed; it enriches the flavor foundation of the soup. Heavy Cream – Adds luxurious richness; for a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. For the Flavor Crispy Bacon – Provides a savory, smoky flavor; consider using pre-cooked bacon for convenience. Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Delivers a robust flavor; feel free to swap in Monterey Jack or another melting cheese if you prefer. Green Onions – Adds a fresh and vibrant touch; can be replaced with chives for a different flavor profile. For Seasoning Salt and Pepper – Key to enhancing all flavors; always taste as you go to get your desired balance. This cozy loaded baked potato soup is not only scrumptious but also easy to whip up for any gathering! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Loaded Baked Potato Soup Step 1: Prep Vegetables Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling about 4-5 russet potatoes, then chop them into bite-sized cubes. Next, slice 2-3 green onions, reserving some for garnish later. Cook about 6-8 pieces of crispy bacon in a skillet until golden brown, which should take around 8-10 minutes. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, keeping some drippings in the skillet. Step 2: Cook Bacon In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the cooked bacon pieces until they become crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it aside, leaving the flavorful grease in the pot. This grease will add depth to your loaded baked potato soup. Step 3: Sauté Potatoes Add the chopped potatoes to the pot and stir well to coat in the bacon grease. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiled, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender, which you can check by piercing them with a fork. Step 4: Blend Soup Carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If it seems too thick, you can gradually add more chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. This step creates the creamy base for your loaded baked potato soup. Step 5: Finish with Cream Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1-2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the blended soup. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for about 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, but do not let it boil. This step adds delightful richness and flavor. Step 6: Serve Ladle the creamy loaded baked potato soup into bowls and garnish generously with the reserved crispy bacon, more cheese, and sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Consider serving this satisfying soup with crusty bread rolls or croutons for an extra comforting experience. Loaded Baked Potato Soup Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this comforting soup to suit your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that’s still creamy and flavorful. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the soup for an exciting heat that balances beautifully with the rich flavors. Vegetarian Delight: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth, while tossing in some grilled mushrooms for a hearty, savory touch. Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the aroma and flavor profile to another level. A little goes a long way! Cheese Options: Experiment by using different cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack; their unique flavors will give your soup an extra twist. Chunky Style: For a more textured experience, reserve some cooked potato chunks before blending, and stir them back into the soup for delightful bites. Nutty Flavor: Toast some pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a crunchy topping that adds both flavor and texture; it offers a wonderful contrast to the creamy soup. Crispy Toppings: Try adding crispy fried onions or homemade croutons on top for a satisfying crunch that enhances the whole eating experience. If you’re looking for more delicious meal ideas, pair this soup with some warming Baked Parmesan Zucchini or a delightful bowl of Sweet Potato Breakfast to complete your cozy dining experience! Storage Tips for Loaded Baked Potato Soup Fridge: Store leftover loaded baked potato soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw in the fridge when ready to enjoy. Reheating: When reheating, do so gently on low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much. Airtight Storage: Always ensure your container is airtight to prevent freezer burn or unwanted flavors from affecting your delicious loaded baked potato soup! What to Serve with Loaded Baked Potato Soup There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring everyone together at the table. Crusty Bread Rolls: Perfect for dipping, they add a satisfying crunch and soak up the delicious broth. Garden Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy soup. Cheesy Garlic Bread: The melted cheese and garlic flavor complement the soup and elevate the whole meal experience. Roasted Veggies: Adding a side of sweet, caramelized vegetables provides a delightful touch of sweetness and texture. Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory soup, echoing flavors of comfort food classics. Apple Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of warm apple pie, making for a memorable finish. Sparkling Water or Cider: A refreshing drink, sparkling water cleanses the palate while cider adds a touch of seasonal flair. Simple Potato Chips: For those who love a crunchy contrast, a side of potato chips will enhance that loaded baked potato vibe! Make Ahead Options These Loaded Baked Potato Soup preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their weeknight meals! You can chop the potatoes and green onions up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Additionally, you can cook the bacon and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply sauté the prepared potatoes in the leftover bacon grease, add the chicken broth, and continue with the blending and finishing steps as outlined. This way, you’ll save precious cooking time while still serving up a delicious, homemade soup that tastes just as comforting as when freshly made! Tips for the Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup Potato Perfection: Ensure your potatoes are thoroughly cooked until tender; undercooked potatoes can lead to a lumpy texture, disrupting the smoothness of your loaded baked potato soup. Creamy Dream: Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling when added to the hot soup; cold cream can lead to an unappealing texture. Season Gradually: Salt and pepper enhance flavors, but taste as you go; it’s easy to over-season, which can mask the deliciousness of the potatoes and cheese. Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, do so gently on low heat; boiling may cause the cream to curdle, ruining that creamy consistency we love. Mix It Up: Feel free to incorporate different toppings like sour cream or jalapeños; each addition can elevate the flavor profile while making your loaded baked potato soup uniquely yours! Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right potatoes for this soup? Absolutely! For the best results in your loaded baked potato soup, I highly recommend using russet potatoes. They provide the creaminess and heartiness that elevate the soup’s texture. Look for potatoes that are firm, with no dark spots or blemishes, ensuring they are as fresh as possible. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very! Store your leftover loaded baked potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the soup is completely cooled before sealing to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on low to avoid curdling the cream. Can I freeze loaded baked potato soup? Absolutely! You can freeze your loaded baked potato soup for up to 3 months. To do this, ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove over low heat for a warm and comforting meal. What if my soup turns out too thick? No worries! If your loaded baked potato soup ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add more chicken broth or heavy cream, a little at a time, while stirring on low heat. This not only adjusts the consistency but also maintains its rich flavor. Remember, you can always add more liquid, but it’s harder to take it away, so go slow! Is this soup gluten-free? For sure! To make a delicious gluten-free loaded baked potato soup, just ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth. The other ingredients, like potatoes, bacon, and cheese, are naturally gluten-free. It’s a cozy comfort dish that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. Can pets have leftovers of this soup? While it’s tempting to share with your furry friends, it’s best to keep this loaded baked potato soup to yourself. The heavy cream, bacon, and seasonings can be too rich for pets and may not agree with their digestive systems. If you want to share, consider saving some plain, unseasoned potatoes for them. Loaded Baked Potato Soup That Will Warm Your Soul Dive into a comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup that warms your soul with rich flavors of buttery potatoes and crispy bacon. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: SoupsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base4-5 medium Russet Potatoes peeled and chopped4 cups Chicken Broth gluten-free if needed1 cup Heavy CreamFor the Flavor6-8 slices Crispy Bacon cooked until golden brown1-2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded2-3 stalks Green Onions sliced, reserving some for garnishFor Seasoningto taste Saltto taste Pepper Equipment Large PotSkilletImmersion BlenderCutting BoardKnifeMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsSpatulaServing Bowls Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Loaded Baked Potato SoupWash and peel the russet potatoes, then chop them into bite-sized cubes.Slice the green onions, reserving some for garnish later.Cook the crispy bacon in a skillet until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.Set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving some drippings in the skillet.In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the bacon pieces until they become crispy, about 2-3 minutes.Remove the bacon and place it aside, leaving the grease in the pot.Add chopped potatoes to the pot and stir well to coat in the bacon grease.Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and cover.Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, adjusting thickness with more broth if necessary.Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, then season with salt and pepper.Allow the soup to heat through for about 5 minutes on low, stirring occasionally.Ladle into bowls and garnish with bacon, more cheese, and sliced green onions. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesFor a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Consider serving with crusty bread rolls or croutons for added comfort. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
