Loaded Baked Potato Soup

If you love the comforting flavor of a classic baked potato loaded with butter, cheese, and bacon, then you’ll absolutely enjoy this Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this soup transforms the beloved baked potato into a rich bowl of comfort that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners.

This recipe combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy broth to create a soup that feels both indulgent and satisfying. The best part is that it’s surprisingly simple to make with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Whether served as a starter or the main dish, loaded baked potato soup is guaranteed to warm you up and keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Loaded baked potato soup has become a favorite comfort food for several reasons.

Rich and creamy texture: The combination of potatoes, cream, and cheese creates a thick, velvety soup.

Full of flavor: Bacon, cheddar, and green onions bring bold savory notes.

Hearty and filling: Potatoes make this soup satisfying enough to serve as a full meal.

Customizable toppings: You can easily adjust the toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 people.

For the Soup

6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Toppings

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup chopped green onions
Extra crispy bacon pieces

Optional toppings:

Chives
Crumbled crackers
Extra cheese

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes.

Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

These ingredients create the savory base for the soup.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Add the butter to the pot and let it melt.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes. This mixture, called a roux, helps thicken the soup and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 4: Add the Liquid

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Then add the milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Mash for Creaminess

For the perfect texture, lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot using a potato masher.

This step thickens the soup naturally while still leaving some chunks for a hearty bite.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Bacon

Stir in about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cooked bacon.

Mix until the cheese melts completely into the soup.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving the Soup

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with:

Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Crispy bacon bits
Chopped green onions

These toppings mimic the classic loaded baked potato experience and add extra texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Use Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down slightly while cooking, helping thicken the soup.

Don’t Skip the Bacon

Bacon adds a smoky flavor that makes this soup taste like a loaded baked potato.

Shred Your Own Cheese

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese.

Control the Thickness

If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a little more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize this soup with different flavors and ingredients.

Broccoli Loaded Potato Soup

Add 1 cup of chopped broccoli florets during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Loaded Potato Soup

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Chicken Loaded Potato Soup

Stir in shredded cooked chicken to make the soup even more filling.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture may become slightly thicker when reheated.

Reheating:
Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin it out.

Final Thoughts

Loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and filled with the classic toppings everyone loves. It captures the flavors of a baked potato loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, all in a warm, satisfying bowl of soup.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve when guests come over. With its creamy texture, savory ingredients, and customizable toppings, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.