There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, creamy bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. This dish combines the rich flavors of melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and velvety potatoes, all in one satisfying spoonful. Topped with fresh chives and extra cheese, it’s a meal that brings coziness to any dinner table. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend meal. With a quick and easy preparation, you’ll have a hearty, homemade soup in under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a starter, this soup is sure to be a family favorite, packed with bold flavors and a creamy texture that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, scrubbed
- 8 bacon slices
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh chives, for garnish
Directions:
- Pierce the potatoes multiple times with a fork, then microwave them for 12 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Let them cool, then remove the skins and cut into chunks.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces, reserving 1 tbsp of the bacon fat.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add reserved bacon fat, garlic, and onion, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is tender.
- Slowly whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Slowly add chicken stock and bring to a light simmer. Stir in salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture thicken for 5-7 minutes.
- If using cheese and bacon as garnish, reserve 1/4 cup of each. Stir in the remaining cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Remove from heat.
- Add the potato chunks, breaking them up slightly for desired texture. Stir to combine.
- Serve hot, topped with reserved cheese, bacon, and fresh chives.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 502 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Why This Loaded Baked Potato Soup Stands Out
There are plenty of potato soup recipes out there, but this Loaded Baked Potato Soup takes things up a notch by incorporating all the classic toppings that make a baked potato so irresistible. The blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheese creates a rich, cheesy base, while the crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch in every bite. Sour cream gives the soup a hint of tanginess, balancing out the richness of the cheese and butter.
Another key factor that makes this recipe unique is its texture. While some potato soups are blended into a completely smooth consistency, this one keeps a balance between creamy and chunky, allowing you to enjoy bites of soft potato pieces along with the luscious broth. For those who love texture in their soups, this is the perfect middle ground.
Moreover, this soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the thickness based on your preference some prefer a thicker, chowder-like soup, while others enjoy a lighter, more broth-based consistency. By controlling the amount of milk and stock added, you can tailor it exactly to your liking.
A Quick and Easy Meal for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Loaded Baked Potato Soup is how quickly it comes together. While traditional baked potatoes take nearly an hour to cook, this recipe cuts down on prep time significantly by microwaving the potatoes. This simple trick ensures that the potatoes are soft and ready to go in a fraction of the time.
This soup is also a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean up. It starts with cooking bacon in the pot, then utilizing the flavorful bacon fat to sauté onions and garlic, building layers of deep, savory flavor right from the start. The rest of the ingredients come together effortlessly, making this a stress-free dish that delivers maximum satisfaction.
Because of its quick preparation time, this soup is perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family meals where everyone can customize their bowl with extra toppings.
- Holiday gatherings when you need a comforting dish that can serve a crowd.
- Meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Customizing Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup
One of the best things about this soup is how customizable it is. Whether you’re catering to different dietary preferences or just want to experiment with flavors, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
Protein Variations
- Turkey Bacon: If you prefer a leaner option, swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon.
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken adds an extra protein boost while complementing the creamy texture.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
Dairy-Free or Lighter Alternatives
- Swap regular milk and half-and-half for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and a tangy kick.
- Reduce the cheese amount or opt for a light cheese blend to cut down on calories.
Extra Add-Ins for Flavor and Texture
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped broccoli, corn, or carrots for more nutrients.
- Crunch Factor: Garnish with croutons or crispy fried onions for added texture.
Best Toppings for the Ultimate Experience
Toppings take Loaded Baked Potato Soup from delicious to downright indulgent. The best part? Everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it! Here are some fantastic topping ideas:
🥓 Extra Bacon Crumbles – Because you can never have too much bacon!
🧀 More Shredded Cheese – A mix of sharp and mild cheddar melts beautifully into the hot soup.
🌿 Fresh Chives or Green Onions – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
🥄 A Dollop of Sour Cream – Enhances the tangy, creamy texture.
🌶️ Jalapeños or Red Pepper Flakes – If you love a little spice.
🥔 Crispy Potato Skins – Instead of discarding the skins, crisp them up and use them as a crunchy garnish!
What to Serve with Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This soup is filling enough to be a standalone meal, but if you’re looking to round out your menu, here are some perfect pairings:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A light and fresh contrast to the rich soup. Try a simple Caesar or spinach salad.
- Grilled Cheese: The ultimate comfort food duo!
- Roasted Vegetables: A healthy side dish that adds some color and balance.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers? No problem! This soup stores exceptionally well and can be enjoyed throughout the week. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
🔹 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more, making leftovers even tastier!
🔹 Freeze: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cheese and sour cream to prevent separation. When reheating, simply stir in the cheese and sour cream at the end.
🔹 Reheat: Warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a warm, satisfying, and flavorful meal, Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a must-try. It combines all the best elements of a classic baked potato into a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-filled bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just to treat yourself, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.