The Creamiest Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crafting a comforting baked potato soup brings warmth to chilly evenings and sparks joy around the dinner table.

potatoes blend seamlessly with creamy textures that invite serious comfort food cravings.

Rich ingredients meld together, creating a luxurious blend of hearty flavors.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese add delightful crunch and depth to each spoonful.

Minimal kitchen skills work perfectly for this straightforward recipe that feels like a culinary hug.

Simple steps and quick preparation mean you can enjoy this soul-satisfying soup in under an hour.

Your dinner companions will marvel at the restaurant-quality taste emerging from such basic ingredients.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Russet potatoes work best because they’re starchy and create a creamy texture.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour as a thickener. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.

Baked Potato Soup Essentials

• Savor Comfort Quickly: This soup delivers hearty warmth with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hunger without complex cooking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Packed with classic ingredients like bacon, cheese, and potatoes, this recipe appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible toppings and simple ingredients allow personal touches, letting home cooks adapt the soup to individual preferences or pantry availability.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamlined preparation means fewer dishes, reduced cleanup time, and a straightforward cooking process that doesn't compromise on rich, creamy flavor.

Ingredients for Baked Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Creamy, starchy base that gives the soup its hearty texture and classic flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, velvety consistency.

• Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty richness to the soup.
• Sour Cream: Brings a tangy creaminess and helps thicken the soup.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing and adds depth of flavor.

• Onions, Garlic: Adds depth and savory undertones to the soup base.
• Bacon: Offers a crispy, smoky flavor and crunchy texture as a topping.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasons and balances the overall taste of the soup.
• Chives: Provides a fresh, mild onion-like garnish for added flavor and color.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.

Stepwise Guide for Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Roast Potato Goodness

Preheat the oven to a toasty temperature. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke tiny holes with a fork.

Wrap each potato in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast until the potatoes feel soft when gently squeezed, which typically takes about an hour.

Once done, carefully slice them open and scoop out the fluffy potato flesh, setting it aside for later.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon Bits

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Lay the bacon strips flat and cook until they transform into golden, crunchy delights. Once perfectly crisp, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth base that will help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Create Creamy Liquid Base

Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally until it starts to thicken and becomes silky smooth.

Step 5: Combine Soup Ingredients

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Crumbled bacon

Stir until everything is well incorporated and heated through.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Shredded cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped chives

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delightful potato soup.

Tips for Baked Potato Soup

• Choose starchy russet potatoes for the creamiest texture and best flavor in the soup.
• Cook bacon beforehand and save extra for topping, adding extra crunch and smoky taste.
• Blend a portion of the soup for extra smoothness while keeping some potato chunks for hearty texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the soup from becoming too salty.
• Make the soup vegetarian by substituting bacon with smoked paprika and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Flavor Variations for Baked Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or roasted vegetable chips for a smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add extra toppings like diced green onions, jalapeños, or crispy fried onions for a more robust taste and texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining a creamy, comforting soup experience.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic mugs for a rustic, homey dining experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Loaded Potato Soup Bar: Set up a toppings station with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped chives, and extra sour cream, letting everyone customize their perfect bowl.
• Game Day Appetizer Twist: Serve smaller portions in shot glasses or mini bread bowls as a crowd-pleasing starter during sports watch parties or casual gatherings.
• Lunch Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup with a crisp green salad or crusty sourdough bread to create a satisfying and balanced meal that's both filling and delightful.

Storage Guidelines for Baked Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid freezing the soup, as dairy-based soups can separate and lose their creamy texture.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness and prevent scorching.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to restore the original creamy consistency.
• Stir carefully to prevent breaking down the potato pieces and maintain the soup's texture.

Simple Baked Potato Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy potato soup brings comfort from hearty Wisconsin kitchens to your dinner table. Rich with bacon, cheese, and classic toppings, this soup delivers warm satisfaction in every spoonful you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1/2 pound bacon
• 2 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and roast whole potatoes for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender, creating a soft, fluffy interior.
2. While potatoes bake, crisp bacon in a skillet until golden and completely rendered, then drain on paper towels.
3. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter and gently sweat diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle flour over the aromatic vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the soup.
5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
6. Scoop out the soft potato flesh and fold into the simmering liquid, breaking down some pieces to enhance creaminess.
7. Incorporate shredded cheese and sour cream, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the soup.
8. Crumble reserved bacon and mix most of it into the soup, reserving some for garnish.
9. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste and allowing soup to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
10. Ladle into bowls and top with remaining bacon, extra cheese, and chopped chives for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the best creamy texture and richness in your soup.
• Bake potatoes ahead of time to save preparation time and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling.
• Crisp bacon separately to maintain its crunchiness, preventing it from becoming soggy when added to the soup.
• Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth or milk if it becomes too thick during simmering.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg