The Heartiest Baked Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort arrives perfectly with this creamy baked potato soup that whispers warmth into chilly evenings.

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly to create a soul-satisfying meal.

Potatoes blend smoothly with rich dairy, creating unexpected depth of flavor.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheese add delightful texture to each spoonful.

Minimal kitchen skills work magic in crafting this delectable dish.

Simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first bowl, so grab your favorite soup spoon and let’s get cooking.

Baked Potato Soup You’ll Love

• Quick and Satisfying: Whip up a hearty soup that combines the rich flavors of sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce in just a few simple steps.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy dinners, this soup adapts easily to different tastes and can be customized with additional toppings or herbs.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a gourmet-style dish that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen, without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Italian-inspired ingredients like Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, this soup delivers an irresistible taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Baked Potato Soup

• Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
• Ditalini Pasta: Small tube-shaped pasta that provides a perfect bite-sized texture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation for the recipe.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warmth and a spicy kick to enhance the overall flavor.
• Tomato Paste, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contributes a concentrated tomato flavor and slight sweetness.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Brings traditional Italian herb notes and balanced seasoning.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty and nutty complexity to the soup.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, fresh herb garnish that complements the rich soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone.

How to Make Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook ditalini pasta following the package directions.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the sausage and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatics

Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet.

Sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Tomato paste
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to combine thoroughly.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.

Gently mix the liquids until they’re well incorporated and smooth.

Step 6: Simmer and Enrich

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and blends into the sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the previously cooked pasta to the skillet.

Stir carefully to ensure every pasta piece gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Finish the soup by scattering fresh basil leaves on top.

Serve immediately while the soup is warm and inviting.

Pro Tips for Creamy Potato Soup

• Cook ditalini al dente to maintain a slight bite, preventing mushy texture in the final soup.
• Brown sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors and create a caramelized exterior.
• Add heavy cream slowly and stir constantly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, silky consistency.
• Chop fresh basil just before serving to maximize its aromatic oils and bright flavor profile.
• Modify red pepper flakes to suit your heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and increasing gradually.

Variations to Try with Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap ditalini pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or chickpea pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and include some black beans for a southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Baked Potato Soup

• Rustic Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for balanced flavors and added freshness.
• Bread Basket Delight: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and enhance the meal's texture.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or crumbled feta on top just before serving to add an extra layer of cheesy goodness and depth.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the soup's robust flavors with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti for a sophisticated dining experience.

Best Ways to Store Baked Potato Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, typically 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Ditalini pasta is ideal because its small, short tube shape catches the creamy sauce perfectly and provides a nice texture in each bite.

• Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian crumbles can work well as alternatives to keep the dish’s flavor profile similar.

• How spicy is this soup with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth, but you can adjust the quantity to make it more or less spicy according to your preference. Start with a small amount and increase gradually.

• Is heavy cream necessary for the recipe?

Heavy cream creates a rich, luxurious texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce might be slightly less creamy.

Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hearty baked potato soup combines creamy richness with comforting midwest flavors. Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onions create a delightful finish for diners craving warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) ditalini pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil ditalini pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
3. Sear sausage, breaking into crumbles, until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 45-60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
5. Incorporate tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously for even distribution.
6. Stream in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to create a smooth, integrated sauce.
7. Simmer the mixture for 4-5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
8. Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
9. Fold reserved pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
10. Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Enhance pasta’s texture by cooking just until al dente to prevent mushiness when added to the creamy sauce.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for those who prefer milder or spicier flavors.
• Choose high-quality sausage for deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish’s taste experience.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or plant-based cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 523
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 763 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg