Loaded Baked Potato Soup: A Comforting, Creamy Bowl of Goodness

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, creamy flavors of baked potatoes with all the classic toppings—crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. This soup is hearty, delicious, and perfect for those days when you crave something warm, filling, and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleaser at a gathering, this soup is bound to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup takes all the best parts of a loaded baked potato and turns it into a creamy, savory soup that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s thick, comforting, and the toppings add a fun, customizable twist. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of a Perfect Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate loaded baked potato soup:

Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best for this soup. Russets are starchy and break down well for a creamier texture, while Yukon golds offer a slightly buttery flavor.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch to the soup.
Onion: Chopped onion provides a savory base for the soup.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor.
Chicken Broth: The broth serves as the base and adds depth to the soup.
Milk or Cream: For that rich, creamy texture. You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream depending on how decadent you want the soup to be.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the soup, giving it a rich, cheesy flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and brightness to the soup.
Butter: Used to sauté the onions and garlic and add richness to the soup.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect consistency.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Here’s how to make this creamy, comforting soup:

Cook the Bacon:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. You’ll crumble the bacon for garnish later.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté in the bacon grease for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Cook the Potatoes:

Add the diced potatoes to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a fork.

Make the Cream Base:

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk or cream until smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Blend the Soup:

Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot for a chunkier texture.

Add the Cream Base:

Stir the cream base into the potato soup, along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Add Sour Cream and Season:

Stir in the sour cream and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and an additional dollop of sour cream if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This loaded baked potato soup is hearty enough to be served on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:

Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with extra bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives so everyone can customize their soup to their liking.

Variations and Tips

Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of cream and sour cream. You can also substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to make the soup even more nutritious.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make the soup gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup.
Double the Recipe: This soup freezes well, so you can easily double the recipe and freeze leftovers for a quick, comforting meal later.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a delicious, comforting dish that brings the warmth and flavors of a loaded baked potato into a creamy, satisfying soup. It’s the perfect meal for cozy nights, and the toppings add an extra layer of indulgence and fun. Whether you make it for yourself or for a crowd, this soup is sure to be a hit every time!