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Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

4.7 from 62 reviews

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a creamy and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring crispy bacon, tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth blend of milk and cream, this soup captures all the comforting flavors of a classic loaded baked potato in a warm, satisfying bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 6 strips raw bacon
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • lbs russet potatoes (peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup sour cream

Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Scallions or chives
  • Additional sour cream
  • Crumbled cooked bacon

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook 6 strips of bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon onto paper towels, crumble it once cooled, and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot for flavor.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add 1 cup chopped yellow onion to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  3. Add flour and dairy: Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic and stir for 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Add potatoes and broth: Stir in 1½ pounds of peeled and cubed russet potatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
  5. Blend soup: Carefully blend about half of the soup using a blender or immersion blender until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir well to create a creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks for heartiness.
  6. Add cheese, sour cream, and bacon: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup sour cream, and half of the crumbled bacon. Simmer the soup for 2 to 3 minutes until it is smooth, creamy, and the cheese has melted completely.
  7. Serve with toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped scallions or chives for a flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Russet potatoes are ideal for a fluffy, creamy texture once cooked.
  • Be sure to stir constantly when adding milk and cream to avoid lumps from the flour.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit bacon, or use smoked paprika and crispy mushrooms for a smoky flavor.
  • This soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Leftover soup can be frozen, but texture may change slightly after thawing.

Keywords: Loaded baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, bacon potato soup, comfort food, cheddar cheese soup