Oh, you guys, soup season is my absolute favorite! There’s nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of something delicious on a chilly evening, right? And when I say delicious, I mean *seriously* delicious. I’ve got the most amazing recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup, and trust me, it’s a winner. It’s so easy to make, totally hits the spot, and it’s always a HUGE crowd-pleaser – even for those picky eaters! I’ve been playing around with recipes and cooking soups since I was a kid and I can guarantee this is one of the best out there!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Okay, so let me tell you why this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is basically the best thing ever:

It’s ridiculously easy to make, even on the busiest weeknights. Seriously, anyone can do it!
The flavor is out-of-this-world creamy and delicious. Think pure comfort in every spoonful.
You can totally customize it! Add extra cheese, different herbs, whatever your heart desires!
The toppings are where it’s at! Sour cream, chives, extra bacon… it’s like a party in your bowl.
It’s the perfect way to use up leftover potatoes! Talk about a win-win situation.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Alright, friends, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how simple this is. Grab these, and you’re well on your way to soup heaven:

4 cups cooked russet potatoes, cubed (about 3 medium potatoes). Make sure those potatoes are nice and soft.
6 cups chicken broth – or veggie broth if you want to keep it vegetarian!
1 cup chopped onion – yellow or white, your call.
1/2 cup butter – real butter, please! It makes all the difference!
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – this is what thickens the soup.
2 cups milk – whole milk is my go-to for maximum creaminess.
1 cup packed shredded cheddar cheese – gotta have that cheesy goodness!
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled – because, bacon!
Salt and pepper to taste – season generously, people! Taste as you go.
Optional toppings: sour cream and chives. For extra pizzazz!

See? Nothing crazy! I usually have most of these things on hand, which is why this is such a go-to for me.

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

Okay, friends, let’s get down to business! Here’s how you whip up this Loaded Baked Potato Soup, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Promise!

Preparing the Potatoes

First things first, we need those potatoes cooked! You can totally do this however you like. I usually boil mine – it’s quick and easy, right? Just peel your potatoes (or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients – your call!) and chop them into about 1-inch cubes. You can also bake your potatoes; that takes a bit longer, but it adds that yummy baked potato flavor. Some people even use a pressure cooker – fancy! Whatever method you choose, you want those potatoes nice and tender.

Building the Soup Base

Alright, time to get that soup base going! Grab a big pot and melt that glorious 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in your chopped onions and cook them until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it all around. Keep whisking and cook the flour for about a minute; this helps get rid of that raw flour taste. It’s an important step, don’t skip it!

Adding the Broth and Milk

Now for the liquids! Slowly pour in your chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Seriously, whisk, whisk, whisk! Then, do the same with the milk. Keep stirring, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it hang out there for a few minutes. That gives the flavors a chance to meld together and get to know each other. Always a fun time!

Combining the Flavors

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Add those cooked potatoes to the pot. Stir in most of the shredded cheese, leaving a little bit for topping. Then, throw in that crumbled bacon – everything is better with bacon, right? Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it! You might want a little more salt or pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Yum!

Tips for Success with Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Okay, so you want to make this Loaded Baked Potato Soup PERFECT, right? I got you, bestie! Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your soup is a total success!

Want a thicker soup? No problem! Before you add the cooked potatoes, take about a cup or two of them, and mash them up a bit. Back in the pot they go. Magic!
When it comes to potatoes, I usually go for russets because they break down nicely and give the soup a great texture. But, you know what? Yukon Golds work just as well, and they have such a lovely, buttery flavor!
Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste your soup as you go, and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A little extra pepper can really make the flavors pop!

See? Easy peasy! You got this!

Variations on Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Okay, so you’ve made my Loaded Baked Potato Soup, and now you’re feeling adventurous? Awesome! Here are a few ideas to shake things up and make it your own. You can’t go wrong, trust me!

**Cheese, Please!** Skip the cheddar and go wild with other cheeses! Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat (careful now!), or even a blend of your favorites. Just make sure it melts nicely!
**Herb Garden Goodness:** Fresh herbs can totally transform this soup! Try adding fresh chives, parsley, or even a little bit of thyme at the end.
**Spice it Up!:** A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a fun kick! Start small, though – you can always add more!
**Bacon Alternatives:** Not a bacon person? No worries. Crumbled sausage, ham, or even a little bit of crispy prosciutto would be delicious!
**Loaded Veggie Style:** Want to make it extra veggie-filled? Add some cooked corn, broccoli, or even some roasted bell peppers for a boost of nutrients and flavors!

The possibilities are endless! Have fun, experiment, and let me know what crazy concoctions you come up with!

Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup in front of you. What to serve with it? Easy peasy! A crusty loaf of bread is an absolute MUST – perfect for dipping into all that creamy, cheesy goodness. You could also keep it light with a simple side salad, maybe with a vinaigrette. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent (and who isn’t?), a grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate comfort food pairing! Honestly, anything goes – enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Okay, so you made a big batch of this Loaded Baked Potato Soup (smart move!). What to do with the leftovers? Easy! Let it cool down, then pop it in an airtight container. It’ll be happy in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready for a second (or third!) helping, you have a couple of easy ways to reheat it. Just warm it gently on the stovetop or zap it in the microwave. Yum!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Baked Potato Soup

I know, I know, questions always pop up! So, here are a few of the most common ones I hear about my Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Hopefully, this helps you whip it up with total confidence!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely, my friend! You can totally make this vegetarian-friendly! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Easy peasy! And, instead of bacon, you can try some crispy mushrooms or leave it out altogether. It’s still amazing, I promise!

How can I thicken my potato soup?

Sometimes, you want a *super* thick and creamy soup. The easiest way? Mash some of the potatoes! Just take a potato masher or even a fork and mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot. It does the trick every time!
You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and a bit of water.

What kind of potatoes are best for potato soup?

I’m a big fan of russets. They break down a bit and thicken the soup by themselves. You get the classic baked potato flavor! But Yukon Golds are also great! They have a slight buttery flavor and hold their shape slightly better. Honestly, you can’t really go wrong!

Nutritional Information for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Heads up, food friends! The nutritional info below is just an estimate, and it can totally change based on the ingredients and brands you use. So have fun in the kitchen– the best flavors come from your personal touch!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy soup with potatoes, cheese, and bacon.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cooked potatoes, cubed
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, chives

Instructions

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Add potatoes and cook until heated through.
Stir in cheese and bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, topped with sour cream and chives, if desired.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes.
You can use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: potato soup, loaded soup, baked potato soup, easy soup recipe

Make This Loaded Baked Potato Soup in 3 Easy Steps!