When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of loaded baked potato soup to bring comfort to your dinner table. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a creamy, hearty soup that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a cozy soup to enjoy on a cold evening or a dish that’s perfect for meal prep, this loaded baked potato soup recipe is sure to become one of your family’s favorite soups.

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Ingredients Needed for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

8 oz bacon, chopped into small pieces
1 yellow onion, chopped
1/3 cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3 lbs yellow potatoes, diced
12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, diced green onions, crispy bacon, shredded cheese

ingredients for loaded baked potato soup

Instructions

Brown the Bacon

Begin by placing a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon to the pot. The bacon will start to sizzle and release its fat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, and cook the bacon until it is crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Once the bacon is fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove it from the pot, leaving the rendered bacon fat behind. Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess grease. This step adds rich flavor to the soup as the bacon drippings will be used to cook the onion.

Cook the Onion

With the bacon grease still in the pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot. The onions should start to soften as they cook in the flavorful bacon drippings. Stir the onions frequently to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook the onions until they become translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. This process enhances the sweetness of the onions and infuses the soup with layers of flavor.

Make the Roux

Once the onions are soft and translucent, it’s time to create a roux, which will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture. Sprinkle the 1/3 cup of flour over the cooked onions. Stir the flour into the onions, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. This step is important because it removes the raw taste of the flour and allows it to fully incorporate into the soup, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency.

Add Liquids

Slowly pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will start to thicken as the flour absorbs the liquid. Follow the chicken broth with 2 cups of water, continuing to stir until everything is well combined. Next, add the 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. The combination of cream and milk gives the soup its rich, velvety texture. Stir the soup until the liquids are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Add Potatoes

Add the diced yellow potatoes to the pot. The potatoes should be evenly distributed throughout the liquid. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer. Allow the potatoes to cook until they are tender, about 20-25 minutes. The potatoes should be soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

Mash and Add Cheese

After the potatoes are cooked, you can adjust the texture of the soup according to your preference. For a chunkier soup, use a potato masher to gently mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will create a creamy base while leaving some chunks of potatoes for texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Once the soup is at the texture you like, reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the 12 oz of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Add Bacon and Serve

Return the crispy bacon to the pot, reserving a little bit for topping. Stir the bacon into the soup, allowing its flavor to infuse into the creamy base. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with your favorite toppings. A dollop of sour cream, diced green onions, extra shredded cheese, and the reserved bacon bits make for the perfect garnish, adding both flavor and visual appeal.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. This soup also freezes well for longer storage. To freeze, pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.

Tips for the Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Types of Potatoes

While this recipe uses yellow potatoes, you can also use russet potatoes or red potatoes for a slightly different texture. Yukon gold potatoes are another great option for a creamy soup.

Make a Double Batch

This soup is perfect for making a double batch and storing half in the freezer for a quick and easy meal later on.

Cooking Techniques

For a richer flavor, try using chicken stock instead of water. You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker by combining all the ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Best Toppings

The best part of this soup is the toppings. Load up with sour cream, green onions, and crispy bacon for that classic loaded baked potato taste.

Nutritional Information

This recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on portion size. For those on a calorie diet or with a medically restrictive diet, you can adjust the ingredients as needed for personal consumption. This soup is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones around the dinner table.

Conclusion

Whether you’re enjoying this soup as part of a cozy night in or serving it at a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With its creamy broth, chunks of potatoes, and delicious toppings, this is truly the best potato soup recipe you’ll ever make. Don’t forget to save this recipe card for your collection of favorite soup recipes!