Loaded Baked Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl for Chilly Days

When the cold weather hits, nothing soothes the soul quite like a hot, creamy bowl of loaded baked potato soup. This classic comfort food combines the hearty goodness of baked russet potatoes with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, a touch of sour cream, and the richness of chicken broth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a cozy dinner for two, this soup brings all the flavors of a fully loaded baked potato—straight to your spoon.

In this article, we’ll show you why this baked potato soup stands out from the rest, break down each ingredient’s role in making it irresistibly delicious, walk through the step-by-step recipe, and even offer tips for customization and reheating. Don’t miss our internal roundup of soups and comfort food pairings to level up your meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Rich and Creamy Texture with Real Baked Potatoes

This isn’t your average stovetop potato soup—this recipe uses real oven-baked russet potatoes. Baking the potatoes unlocks a deeper, more savory flavor and removes the need for peeling and chopping raw potatoes. Once scooped out, the fluffy interiors are mashed right into the soup, creating a thick, creamy base with a rustic, hearty feel.

Using baked potatoes also allows for a second bonus—crispy fried potato skins! Those golden, crunchy bites get stirred in or used as a topping, making every bite layered with texture.

All the Classic Toppings in One Cozy Bowl

Loaded baked potato soup is all about capturing the essence of the fully loaded baked potato. Think shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, sour cream, and a touch of parmesan to round out the flavor. It’s savory, slightly smoky, and full of bold cheesy notes.

This soup goes big on toppings—and we mean it. Everything you love about your favorite steakhouse baked potato shows up in this bowl, making it as Instagram-worthy as it is satisfying.

A Soul-Warming Family Favorite

This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s also about feeling. It brings comfort to the table with every steaming spoonful. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, potluck winner, or snow-day essential. Even picky eaters can’t resist its cheesy, bacony magic.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to be adjusted for different diets or preferences. Whether you’re making it meat-free, gluten-free, or extra cheesy, you’ll find it easy to adapt—and hard to mess up.

Essential Ingredients for a Flavor-Packed Baked Potato Soup

Why Russet Potatoes Are the Best Choice

Russets are the gold standard for any baked potato soup recipe. Their starchy content helps create that thick, creamy base you crave in a hearty soup. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red or Yukon golds here—they don’t break down the same way and can make the texture gluey.

Here’s a quick glance at the must-haves for this dish:

Ingredient	Purpose in Soup
Russet Potatoes	Thickens base naturally and delivers true baked flavor
Bacon (and its fat)	Adds smokiness and forms a rich roux
Cheddar Cheese	Creaminess, bold flavor
Parmesan Cheese	Salty umami boost
Green Onions	Fresh, sharp contrast to creamy elements
Garlic	Secret flavor weapon
Sour Cream	Tanginess and smooth finish
Chicken Broth	Adds depth without overpowering

The Secret to Deep Flavor—Bacon Fat & Cheese Combo

Most soups start with butter. This one? Starts with bacon fat. Rendering the fat and cooking your flour right into it adds an insane depth of flavor. It’s this fat-to-flour base that creates the creamy roux that binds your soup together.

Then come the cheeses. Cheddar provides the familiar cheesy punch, while a hint of aged parmesan gives a complexity that cheddar alone can’t match.

You can even toss in a little extra cheese at the end if you want to double down on richness.

Optional Ingredients to Elevate Your Soup

Want to take your potato soup to the next level? These add-ins are worth a try:

• Chopped chives or scallions for a stronger onion profile
• Cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat
• Cream cheese for even more silkiness
• Heavy cream in place of some milk if you prefer ultra-creamy results
• Roasted garlic instead of fresh for a mellow, nutty flavor

If you’re looking to pair this soup with another cozy meal, check out this hearty Cajun potato soup for a spicy twist on the classic.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup from Scratch

Loaded baked potato soup might taste restaurant-worthy, but the cooking process is surprisingly straightforward. From prepping the potatoes to finishing with toppings, here’s how to make it like a pro.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Bake the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing 5 large russet potatoes and piercing them with a fork. Bake at 400°F for about 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes until fork-tender. Let them cool slightly before handling.

2. Fry the Bacon
While potatoes bake, cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, but leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot—you’ll use this flavorful base for the roux.

3. Build the Roux
Lower the heat, sauté the white part of sliced green onions in the bacon fat for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds, followed by minced garlic for another 30 seconds. This creates a thick, flavor-packed base.

4. Add Liquids and Potatoes
Slowly whisk in low-sodium chicken broth, then milk. Scoop the soft flesh out of the baked potatoes and add directly into the pot, leaving skins behind. Bring to a light simmer, then reduce to low and cook for 5 more minutes.

5. Finish the Soup
Use a potato masher to break down the potatoes into smaller chunks. Off the heat, stir in sour cream, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Crisp the Potato Skins
Dice reserved potato skins and pan-fry them in olive oil until golden and crispy—about 7–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Serve with Toppings
Ladle soup into bowls and top with bacon, more cheddar, fried skins, and the green parts of the onions. Serve hot.

Looking for more creamy and cheesy soups? Check out our easy French onion soup recipe that hits all the savory notes you love.

Tips for Crispy Potato Skins and Flavorful Bacon

• Bake instead of boil: Baked potatoes develop a richer flavor and better texture.
• Use a cast iron skillet for frying skins—it delivers a better crisp.
• Don’t discard bacon fat: It replaces butter and adds unmatched flavor.
• Shred cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

These small tweaks make a big difference in both texture and flavor.

Making it Ahead, Storing, and Reheating Tips

Loaded potato soup is perfect for meal prep, but it comes with a few tricks to keep it delicious after day one.

• Fridge storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Thickened soup? Stir in extra milk or broth when reheating to thin it out.
• Reheat gently: Use the stovetop on medium-low or microwave in intervals, stirring often.
• Avoid freezing: Potato soups generally don’t freeze well. The texture gets grainy and the dairy can separate.

Need more inspiration for cozy meals? Don’t miss our old-fashioned cream of tomato soup—a vintage classic reborn.

Customizing Your Soup for Dietary Needs

Not everyone can indulge in classic dairy-and-gluten-packed potato soup. But don’t worry—we’ve got smart swaps to help you tailor it to your dietary needs.

How to Make It Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free

Gluten-Free Swap:
Replace all-purpose flour with white rice flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that your chicken broth and sour cream are certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Option:

• Use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk.
• Try dairy-free cheddar and sour cream alternatives (brands like Daiya or Kite Hill).
• Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami punch.

Pro tip: The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor stays delicious.

Discover great ideas like our dairy-free creamy garlic shrimp for more satisfying alternatives.

Using Leftover Baked Potatoes for Convenience

Short on time? Leftover baked potatoes from last night’s dinner are perfect for this recipe. You’ll need about 5 large ones, and they should be fully cooked and chilled. Just reheat slightly to make them easier to scoop and mash.

This trick cuts your prep time in half without sacrificing the flavor.

Vegetarian Version That Still Delivers Comfort

To make this soup vegetarian:

• Skip the bacon and start with olive oil or butter for the roux.
• Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic bacon’s depth.
• Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.

The result is still thick, creamy, and packed with savory flavor. For more plant-forward comfort food, try our zucchini cornbread casserole—you won’t miss the meat.

What to Serve with Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded baked potato soup is rich and satisfying on its own, but the right sides can turn it into a full-on feast. Whether you’re entertaining or keeping it casual, these serving ideas round out the meal perfectly.

Best Bread Pairings and Salads

• Crusty bread or rolls – Perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup. Try no-knead bread, sourdough, or soft one-hour dinner rolls.
• Simple green salad – A crisp spinach or romaine salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Garlic breadsticks – Cheesy or classic, they’re always a crowd favorite.

Soup Bar Ideas for Family Gatherings

Turn your dinner into an interactive experience by creating a loaded soup bar:

• Keep the soup warm in a slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Set out toppings like extra bacon, cheddar, sour cream, green onions, chives, and fried potato skins
• Add sides like cornbread, zucchini muffins, or mini grilled cheese sliders

This setup makes serving easy and fun, especially for parties or holidays.

Make It a Full Meal With These Sides

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Baked mashed potatoes if you’re feeding a potato lover’s dream
• Creamy broccoli cheese soup as a soup pairing
• Fruit salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter contrast

FAQ: Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Conclusion: Why This Is the Only Baked Potato Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Loaded baked potato soup isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. From its ultra-creamy base to the crispy toppings, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving a crowd, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, comfort, and ease.

Looking for inspiration? Try our slow cooker tomato soup next for a lighter, classic companion.

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