Loaded Baked Potato Soup

There’s something about a big bowl of potato soup that instantly makes a cold or tiring day feel a little better. This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is one of those recipes I come back to whenever I’m craving something warm, creamy, and seriously comforting.

I made this for my family one weekend when we wanted an easy dinner that felt a little more special than our usual weeknight meals. I had a few potatoes sitting in the kitchen, some bacon in the fridge, and plenty of cheese, so I decided to turn them into soup. By the time the pot was simmering, everyone kept wandering into the kitchen asking what smelled so good.

And when I finally put the bowls on the table? They disappeared.

Since then, this has become one of my favorite recipes to make on cozy weekends. Sometimes I make it when I’m happy and want to celebrate with a comforting homemade meal. Other times, it’s exactly what I need after a stressful day. There’s just something about creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a warm bowl in your hands that makes everything feel a little easier.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Soup

• Rich and creamy without being complicated

• Packed with tender potatoes and crispy bacon

• Topped with plenty of melted cheddar

• Perfect for chilly evenings and lazy weekends

• Easy enough for a weeknight dinner

• Makes delicious leftovers

Ingredients

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 green onions, sliced

• Extra cheddar cheese, for topping

• Extra cooked bacon, for topping

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

1. Cook the bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pot.

This little step makes such a difference. That bacon flavor gets carried through the entire soup.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 4–5 minutes, until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Make the creamy base

Add the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.

Then add the milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

4. Add the potatoes

Stir in the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

Cover partially and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Make it thick and creamy

For that classic loaded baked potato texture, mash some of the potatoes directly in making it completely smooth. Leaving some chunks gives the soup that hearty, the pot using a potato masher.

I don’t recommend making it completely smooth. Leaving some chunks gives the soup that hearty, homemade feel.

6. Add the cheese and sour cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Add the sour cream and stir until everything is creamy and well combined.

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

7. Load it up!

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

• Crispy bacon

• Extra shredded cheddar

• Sliced green onions

• A small spoonful of sour cream

And if you’re anything like me, you might add just a little extra cheese. There’s no judgment here.

My Best Tips

Use russet potatoes. They break down beautifully and help give the soup that thick, creamy consistency.

Don’t boil the soup aggressively. A gentle simmer keeps the dairy from separating and helps the potatoes cook evenly.

Mash, don’t completely blend. I love having little bites of potato throughout the soup.

Grate your own cheese if possible. Freshly shredded cheddar melts much more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.

Taste before adding more salt. Bacon, broth, cheese, and sour cream can all contribute quite a bit of salt.

What to Serve With It

This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, but I love serving it with warm crusty bread or garlic bread.

A simple green salad is another great choice if you want something fresh alongside all that creamy goodness.

And honestly, if I’m making this on a relaxed weekend, I’ll sometimes just serve it with extra bacon and cheese and call it dinner.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Absolutely. In fact, I think the leftovers are even better the next day.

Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

When reheating, warm it gently over low to medium heat. If the soup has thickened in the refrigerator, add a splash of milk or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

I don’t recommend boiling it during reheating because the dairy can separate.

Nutrition Information

Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings. Actual nutrition will vary depending on the brands and exact ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup has quickly become one of those recipes that feels like home to me. It’s humble food, but sometimes those are the meals we remember most.

I love making a big pot when my family is around, putting all the toppings on the table, and letting everyone build their own bowl. Someone always adds extra cheese. one of those days when you need something warm, creamy, and comforting, make this soup. Put on some cozy music, let the kitchen fill with that amazing Someone always asks for more bacon. And somehow, there’s never quite as much leftover as I expected.

So if you’re having one of those days when you need something warm, creamy, and comforting, make this soup. Put on some cozy music, let the kitchen fill with that amazing bacon-and-potato smell, and give yourself a little time to enjoy it.

Sometimes a simple bowl of soup really can make a day better.