The Best Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe – Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy potato soup offers a comforting embrace during chilly evenings when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

Warm aromas waft through kitchens, promising delightful spoonfuls of comfort.

Potatoes become the star ingredient, turning simple ingredients into a magical culinary experience.

Smooth textures and rich flavors dance together, creating something far beyond an ordinary meal.

Hearty and satisfying, this soup whispers memories of cozy gatherings and shared moments.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making every bite a celebration of simplicity.

Grab a ladle and let’s transform these humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Variations for Baked Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth. Add sautéed mushrooms for umami flavor and protein.
• Vegan Creamy Potato Soup: Substitute dairy with coconut milk, nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and crispy tofu bits instead of bacon.
• Gluten-Free Hearty Soup: Ensure broth is gluten-free, use cornstarch for thickening, and top with gluten-free crispy onions or herb-roasted seeds.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Soup: Swap potatoes with cauliflower, use heavy cream instead of milk, and add extra sharp cheddar for richness.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Potato Soup

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty soup as the star of a comforting family meal, paired with crusty bread for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop.
• Soup Bar Gathering: Set up a toppings station with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and extra sour cream, letting everyone customize their perfect bowl.
• Portable Lunch Companion: Pack the soup in a thermos for a warm, satisfying lunch at work or school, keeping it hot and delicious until mealtime.
• Game Day Comfort Bowl: Offer this creamy soup as a warming side during sports watching parties, serving in mugs for easy handling and maximum comfort.

Best Storage for Baked Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid freezing the soup, as dairy-based soups can separate and lose creamy texture when thawed.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain smooth consistency.
• Add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to restore original creaminess if the soup has thickened.
• Discard any soup left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture and ability to create a creamy soup.

• Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use olive oil to sauté onions. Replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or omit entirely.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.

• Can I freeze this potato soup?

Yes, but the texture might change slightly. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to restore consistency.

Why Baked Potato Soup Is a Comfort Classic

• Craft Comfort Quickly: This soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar ingredients like bacon, cheese, and potatoes, this recipe appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Versatile Meal Solution: From weeknight dinners to cozy weekend lunches, this adaptable soup works beautifully as a hearty main dish that can be customized with various toppings and mix-ins.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using simple, affordable ingredients like potatoes and bacon, this recipe provides a rich, creamy meal that doesn't break the bank while still feeling indulgent.

Ingredients for Baked Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty foundation of this comforting soup.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the soup.

• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture to the soup.
• Onions: Bring a sweet and aromatic depth to the soup's overall taste.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and extra creamy richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup, adding a sharp and creamy flavor profile.

• Green Onions, Salt, Pepper: Fresh green onions offer a bright finish, while salt and pepper balance and enhance the soup's flavors.

How to Prepare Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Wash potatoes thoroughly and poke several holes with a fork. Bake potatoes in the oven until completely tender and soft.

Once cooled, slice potatoes in half and scoop out the soft interior, setting the potato flesh aside.

Step 2: Cook Crispy Bacon

Place bacon strips in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

Cook bacon until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Crumble the bacon into small pieces once cooled.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Base

Using the same pot with bacon drippings, add diced onions.

Cook onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, releasing their sweet flavor.

Step 4: Build Soup Foundation

Add the scooped potato flesh, chicken broth, and whole milk to the pot.

Stir ingredients together and allow the mixture to simmer, gradually thickening and developing a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Create Smooth Texture

Use an immersion blender or standard blender to partially puree the soup, creating a smoother yet still chunky texture.

Be careful when blending hot liquids.

Step 6: Enhance Flavor Profile

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and black pepper.

Mix until cheese melts completely and ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the soup with crumbled bacon pieces, chopped green onions, and additional shredded cheese.

Serve hot in deep bowls for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Tips for Creamy Baked Potato Soup

• Use russet potatoes for the best fluffy texture and maximum flavor absorption.
• Crisp the bacon separately to ensure it stays crunchy when added as a topping.
• Reserve some potato chunks while blending to maintain a hearty, rustic soup consistency.
• Warm milk before adding to prevent curdling and create a smoother soup base.
• Let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.

Creamy Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy potato soup with crispy bacon beckons comfort seekers through hearty winter meals. Rich potato, bacon, and cheese flavors combine smoothly to satisfy hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 pound bacon
• 2 cups cheddar cheese

Liquid Base:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and roast potatoes for approximately 45-60 minutes until fully softened and easily pierced with a fork.
2. While potatoes are roasting, crisp bacon in a large Dutch oven until golden brown and rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Utilize the remaining bacon drippings to sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Carefully scoop potato flesh from the roasted skins and add to the pot with caramelized onions.
5. Pour chicken broth and whole milk into the pot, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and gradually thicken for 10-15 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a rich and velvety consistency with some potato chunks remaining.
7. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, dollops of sour cream, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until cheese melts completely.
8. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits, thinly sliced green onions, and an additional sprinkle of cheese.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the creamiest, most luxurious soup texture.
• Cook bacon slowly to render maximum fat and achieve perfect crispiness without burning.
• Only partially blend the soup to maintain some potato chunks for delightful textural contrast.
• Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan cheese for lactose-free or vegan versions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg