Name: Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large russet potatoes; 6 slices thick-cut bacon; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley

Craving something warm, cozy, and totally comforting? Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate hug in a bowl. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly evening or need a hearty lunch that satisfies like no other, this rich, velvety soup checks every box. Packed with real baked potatoes, crisp bacon, melty cheddar, and a touch of green for brightness—it delivers the flavor and indulgence of a loaded baked potato, spoon after creamy spoon.

Unlike quick stovetop versions, this soup builds its flavor from oven-roasted potatoes and slow-simmered aromatics. The result? A thick, creamy texture that doesn’t rely on shortcuts. It’s a nostalgic favorite turned into a soul-soothing meal you can make at home with a few simple tools and a lot of love.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup, having the right tools can streamline the process and enhance results:

Large Baking Sheet: Used to roast the potatoes. Roasting intensifies the potato flavor and adds depth to the soup.
Heavy-Bottomed Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Ideal for sautéing, simmering, and building a rich, even soup base without burning.
Blender or Immersion Blender: Essential for achieving the creamy texture. An immersion blender offers convenience with less mess.
Fine Mesh Sieve (optional): For an ultra-smooth finish, though not mandatory.
Ladle and Soup Bowls: Serving tools that complete the experience. A deep ladle ensures each bowl gets a perfect mix of soup and toppings.

Ingredients for the Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Russet Potatoes: The star of the dish. Roasted and then blended, they create a rich and starchy base that holds the soup together.
Thick-Cut Bacon: Crisped to perfection, it adds smoky, salty depth and a crunchy topping.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the soup, adding tang and creaminess.
Yellow Onion: Sautéed until soft for a subtle sweetness that balances the richness.
Garlic Cloves: Just a couple, finely minced, to build background flavor.
Chicken Broth: The liquid backbone. Choose low-sodium for better control.
Heavy Cream: Creates that silky, luxurious finish.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and lightens the heaviness slightly.
Butter: For sautéing and richness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Chives or Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the final dish.

How To Make the Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub and pierce the russet potatoes, then place on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender. Allow to cool, then peel and cube.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In your Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Discard most of the bacon fat, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer and Blend

Add the cubed potatoes to the pot along with chicken broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Elements

Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Let it warm gently without boiling. Add half the shredded cheddar to melt into the soup.

Step 6: Serve and Top Generously

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with remaining cheddar, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. Serve warm!

How to Serve and Store Your Potato Soup

This soup shines brightest when served piping hot, loaded with generous toppings. Pair it with a crusty sourdough roll or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but versatile enough to play sidekick.

For leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop over low heat—just stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

You can also freeze it, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for best quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Add extra cheese or even smoked paprika to mimic that rich depth.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but it won’t be quite as rich. Whole milk is best if substituting.

What’s the best way to reheat without separating?

Low and slow is key. Reheat over low heat and stir gently to maintain a creamy consistency.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Just store properly and reheat when ready.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can! It’ll change the texture slightly but is a great way to repurpose leftovers.

Want More Soup and Comfort Food Ideas?

You might also like the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a rich and cheesy classic. Or try the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup for a rustic, protein-packed dinner.

For a meaty spin, check out the Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup. If you’re craving some Tex-Mex warmth, the Wendy’s Chili Recipe hits all the right notes.

Even the Cajun Potato Soup brings a spicy twist if you’re in the mood for bold flavors.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you top it with scallions? Add extra cheese? Maybe swap in sweet potatoes? Drop a comment below—I’m always excited to see how you bring your own twist.

For more warm, cozy recipes, check out my Pinterest at LadyPlate where I share daily comfort food ideas.