Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Creamy, Hearty, and Comforting
If you love baked potatoes with all the toppings, you’ll adore Loaded Baked Potato Soup. This creamy, hearty soup brings all the flavors of a fully loaded potato — crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, green onions, and a touch of sour cream — into a rich, comforting bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy lunches, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, loaded baked potato soup delivers classic flavor in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
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Comfort food at its best: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
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Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
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Customizable: Add extra veggies, swap out toppings, or make it lighter.
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Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully.
Ingredients
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4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 slices bacon, chopped
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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½ cup sour cream (plus more for serving)
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2–3 green onions, sliced
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Optional toppings: extra bacon, cheese, green onions, or chives
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a small amount of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth
Add diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Blend (Optional)
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
5. Add Milk, Cheese, and Sour Cream
Stir in the milk (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar, and sour cream. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
6. Season
Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with cooked bacon, extra cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve warm with crusty bread or rolls.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
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Use russet potatoes for a creamy, fluffy texture.
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Partially blending the soup gives a thick, smooth consistency while keeping some potato chunks.
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For a lighter version, use milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly.
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Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for variety.
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Cook bacon separately to prevent it from becoming soggy in the soup.
Variations
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Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Ham: Substitute bacon with diced ham.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
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Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon, topping with roasted chickpeas for crunch.
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Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients except cheese and sour cream in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, then stir in cheese and sour cream before serving.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent curdling.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or cornbread for a complete meal.
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Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness.
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Add a sprinkle of paprika or chopped chives for extra color and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
Loaded Baked Potato Soup works because it balances richness, creaminess, and texture. The combination of tender potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream creates a flavor profile reminiscent of a fully loaded baked potato — but in an easy-to-eat, comforting bowl.
Final Thoughts
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with classic flavors that are familiar and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a main course, a starter, or a cozy dinner on a chilly night, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.