There is nothing quite like diving into a bowl of Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup when you are craving warmth and flavor that feels like a hug from the inside out. This creamy, cheesy soup sings with tender chunks of russet potatoes, simmered in a rich broth and layered with golden sautéed onions and garlic. Topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, every spoonful delivers satisfying textures and familiar, savory tastes that turn any chilly evening into a cozy celebration. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this soup is guaranteed to become your go-to comfort food.

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is what sets this soup apart. Each element plays a crucial role—potatoes provide a hearty base, while creamy dairy and smoky seasonings lift every bite. Cooking with familiar components makes this dish approachable and deeply satisfying.

4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced: The star ingredient offering sturdy texture and classic baked potato flavor.
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth: Creates a rich, savory foundation that bathes every potato chunk.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth once sautéed to soft perfection.
3 cloves garlic, minced: A flavor powerhouse that enhances the soup’s earthy tones.
1 cup heavy cream: Smooths the soup into silky richness for indulgence.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings cheesy boldness and creamy melt-in-the-mouth pleasure.
1/2 cup sour cream: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the soup’s flavor.
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Provides irresistible smoky crunch as a finishing touch.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Offers a fresh, crisp pop of color and mild zestiness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect base for gently sautéing onions and garlic.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy warmth and herbal complexity.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky layer complementing the bacon.

How to Make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook slowly until they become soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle cooking draws out their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible fragrant aroma, signaling that deep flavors are building.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the broth of your choice. Stir in dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper right away so the potatoes soak up these spices while cooking. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender to the fork and nearly melting into the broth—this is where the magic starts to happen!

Step 3: Purée the Soup

When the potatoes are perfectly soft, puree the soup according to your texture preference. For a rich, creamy consistency with a few delightful potato chunks throughout, carefully use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If you prefer it very smooth, transfer portions to a stand blender in batches. This step transforms the hearty mix into luscious comfort food in every spoonful.

Step 4: Incorporate Dairy and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Continue heating gently until the cheese is fully melted and the soup achieves a thick, velvety texture. This stage combines creamy silkiness with sharp, cheesy depth—pure bliss. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed to perfect the savory balance.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top each serving generously with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar, and crisp green onions. These garnishes bring contrast—smoky, crunchy, and fresh—that turns good soup into an unforgettable experience of Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup.

How to Serve Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Garnishes

The toppings are what make this soup truly shine. Crumbled bacon adds satisfying crunch and smoky richness, while extra sharp cheddar cheese melts slightly into the hot soup for even cheesier indulgence. Finally, a sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a vibrant splash of color and a gentle fresh bite, perfectly balancing all those creamy layers.

Side Dishes

This soup works wonderfully as a hearty standalone meal but pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or a warm buttery roll for sopping up every last drop. A crisp green salad wearing a tangy vinaigrette also complements the soup by adding refreshing texture and a light counterpoint to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, serve the soup alongside a “loaded potato bar” with toppings spread out buffet-style—diced tomatoes, extra bacon, chopped herbs, roasted veggies, and sour cream options let each guest customize their bowl. You can also get playful by swirling in a little hot sauce or crispy fried onions to dial up the flavor layers even further.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days when kept in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy texture intact.

Freezing

Because this soup is packed with dairy, freezing requires some care. Let the soup cool entirely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. For best texture, freeze before adding the cream and cheese. When thawed, simply stir in the dairy and reheat slowly over low heat to regain smoothness and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on low heat, stirring regularly to prevent sticking or separation. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. This ensures your Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup tastes fresh and creamy every time.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and simply omit the bacon. To maintain the smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for an extra depth of savoriness.

How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a heartier soup, blend more of the potatoes until very smooth or let the soup simmer uncovered for an extra 5 to 10 minutes to reduce some of the liquid. Both methods intensify the creamy texture.

What toppings go well with baked potato soup?

Classic toppings include shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled crispy bacon, chopped green onions or chives, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also try roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of smoked almonds for different textures.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freezing works well if you follow some precautions. Cool the soup completely, freeze before adding dairy if possible, and thaw overnight before reheating slowly. This helps preserve the creamy consistency and delicious flavor.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes are ideal for that fluffy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes make a wonderful buttery alternative. Avoid waxy potatoes as they tend to stay firm and won’t give the same creamy effect in the soup.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup enough if you want a homemade meal that feels cozy, indulgent, and timeless. It’s one of those recipes that keeps your kitchen smelling amazing and your belly happily full, every time. Gather your ingredients, invite loved ones around the table, and let this soulful soup warm your spirit from the very first spoonful.

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This comforting loaded baked potato soup is a rich and creamy blend of tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory broth, topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. Perfect for chilly days, it offers a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and customizable for various dietary preferences.

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant to build the essential flavor base.
Cook the Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired texture, leaving some chunks for bite if preferred. Alternatively, blend in batches with a stand blender carefully to avoid splatters.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes until cheese fully melts and soup is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with crumbled bacon, additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired, and chopped green onions for a classic loaded baked potato flavor.

Notes

Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and omit bacon.
Reserve some potato chunks before blending for added texture.
Freeze soup before adding dairy; add cream and cheese when reheating for best texture.
Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk to lighten creaminess.
Turkey bacon or smoked almonds can replace traditional bacon for different dietary needs.
Store in the refrigerator up to 4 days in a sealed container, reheat gently to prevent separation.
Best served warm with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soups & Stews
Method: Sautéing, simmering, blending
Cuisine: American