Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

The Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl, offering that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. With tender chunks of russet potatoes enveloped in a rich broth enhanced by sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, this soup takes a classic baked potato and transforms it into a luscious, cozy meal. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or sharing a hearty lunch with friends, this soup satisfies cravings and lifts spirits with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing an essential role in creating the soup’s velvety texture, savory depth, and vibrant flavor. From the humble potato to the sharpness of cheddar and the smoky crunch of bacon, every item brings something special to the table.

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced: The hearty base of your soup, providing creamy chunks and body.
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth: Adds savory richness and depth, with vegetable broth as a wonderful alternative for a vegetarian twist.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Contributes a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, fragrant bite that elevates the overall flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that makes the soup indulgent and smooth.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Infuses the soup with a tangy, melty cheesiness.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Offers a slight tang and enriches the creamy texture.
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds irresistible smoky crunch as a topping.
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Provides fresh color and a mild oniony punch in every bite.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, creating a flavorful base.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a subtle earthiness that complements the potato beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives the soup a gentle smoky warmth and inviting color.

How to Make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key for building a fragrant base. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute until fragrant – the smell will instantly make your kitchen feel welcoming.

Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes

Next, add the diced russet potatoes right into the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and everything has melded into a beautiful potato-infused broth.

Step 3: Blend to Desired Texture

At this point, you have the choice to blend the soup to your preferred consistency. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to create a smooth, creamy texture or leave it slightly chunky for more bite by blending only a portion. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender and process until smooth. This blending step is what transforms the Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup into that luscious, velvety classic we love.

Step 4: Add the Dairy

Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Keep stirring gently as the cheese melts into the soup, creating a rich, cheesy glow. This final cooking lasts about 5 minutes – just enough to blend the flavors perfectly without losing that creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle your soup into bowls and sprinkle with the crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. These garnishes add brilliant color, contrast, and texture that complete the comforting experience of this loaded baked potato soup.

How to Serve Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Garnishes

The final toppings are not just decoration—they lift the soup’s flavors and textures to new heights. Crumbled bacon offers smoky crunch while green onions add a fresh, zesty bite. Additional shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top for extra cheesiness. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or chives if you want to take it even further!

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad, some warm crusty bread, or even buttery garlic toast. These accompaniments provide a complementary contrast to the soup’s creamy richness and ensure a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out baked potatoes for a charming presentation. You can also add roasted corn kernels or sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika on top for an aesthetic and flavorful boost. Presentation is a great way to elevate the experience when sharing with family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This cautious warming helps prevent the dairy from separating. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, stir in a little broth or water to loosen it back up to that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the bacon topping. You can add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for additional savory depth if you like.

What if I like my soup chunkier?

Just reserve some potato pieces before blending the soup and stir them back in at the end. This gives you the perfect blend of creamy and hearty textures.

Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?

Cheddar offers a nice sharpness, but you can experiment with mozzarella for shinier meltiness or Gouda for a smoky twist. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.

Is it okay to use frozen potatoes?

Fresh russets are best to achieve the ideal texture and flavor, but in a pinch, thawed frozen diced potatoes can work. Just keep an eye on cooking times since frozen potatoes may cook faster.

How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?

For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add a little extra cheese and sour cream. To thin it out, simply stir in some warm broth or milk until you reach your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This recipe really is a heartwarming classic that feels like a big hug from the inside out. I cannot recommend enough making the Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup the next time you crave something both satisfying and indulgently cozy. It’s simple, adaptable, and guaranteed to become a staple in your chilly day meal rotation.

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