Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Comforting loaded baked potato soup transforms simple ingredients into the ultimate winter comfort food. This rich, creamy bowl captures all the flavors of your favorite loaded baked potato in soup form, making it perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something truly satisfying.

I still remember the first time I made this soup on a particularly cold February night. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled my kitchen, and as I watched the potatoes simmer into creamy perfection, I knew I’d discovered something special. This comforting loaded baked potato soup delivers restaurant-quality results with simple home ingredients. The secret lies in getting that perfect balance between smooth creaminess and chunky texture, then loading it up with all the classic toppings. It’s become my go-to comfort food recipe when I want to warm both body and soul.

Essential Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

I always recommend using russet potatoes for this recipe because they break down beautifully and create that perfect creamy base. When selecting your cheddar, I prefer sharp over mild for a more pronounced cheese flavor that stands up to the other ingredients.

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Equipment needed: Large soup pot, immersion blender or regular blender, ladle, cutting board, chef’s knife

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

I recommend keeping the heat at medium to prevent the onions from burning, which can create a bitter taste in your finished soup.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft, translucent, and lightly golden around the edges. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant – don’t let the garlic burn or turn brown.

Step 2: Add diced potatoes to the pot along with chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook 20-25 minutes until potatoes are completely fork-tender and starting to break apart.

Step 3: Once potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to achieve your preferred texture. For a completely smooth comforting loaded baked potato soup, blend thoroughly. For a chunkier version, pulse briefly leaving some potato pieces intact. If using a regular blender, work in small batches and be careful with the hot liquid.

Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese fully melts and soup is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent the dairy from curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Ladle soup into serving bowls. Top each portion generously with crumbled bacon, additional shredded cheese, and chopped green onions before serving.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

This rich soup pairs beautifully with lighter sides that complement its creamy texture without overwhelming the meal.

Crusty sourdough bread: The tangy flavor and crispy crust provide the perfect contrast to the smooth soup.

Simple green salad: A light arugula or mixed greens salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

Roasted vegetables: Try roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition and color contrast.

Garlic breadsticks: These make excellent dippers and are always crowd-pleasers with loaded baked potato soup recipes.

Complete Your Comfort Food Collection

This loaded baked potato soup becomes even more special when served as part of a comforting soup collection. For cheese lovers, pair it with our rich Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, which offers similar creamy indulgence with aromatic herbs that complement the bacon and cheese flavors perfectly.

Create a complete comfort meal experience by serving this soup alongside our spicy Creamy Chorizo Potato Soup for those who enjoy bold flavors, our restaurant-inspired Outback Potato Soup for familiar favorites, and our lighter Carrot Potato Soup for a vegetable-forward option. These hearty choices ensure every family member finds their perfect bowl of comfort.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

Store your comforting loaded baked potato soup covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.

For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though the texture may be slightly different after thawing. Reheat gently and whisk to restore smoothness if needed.

Complete Your Comfort Food Collection

This loaded baked potato soup becomes even more special when served as part of a comforting soup collection. For cheese lovers, pair it with our rich Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, which offers similar creamy indulgence with aromatic herbs that complement the bacon and cheese flavors perfectly.

Create a complete comfort meal experience by serving this soup alongside our spicy Creamy Chorizo Potato Soup for those who enjoy bold flavors, or our restaurant-inspired Outback Potato Soup for a familiar favorite. These hearty options ensure every family member finds their perfect bowl of comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your New Comfort Food Champion

This comforting loaded baked potato soup proves that the best recipes often come from transforming familiar favorites into something new. The combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheese, and crispy bacon creates a bowl of pure satisfaction that’s surprisingly straightforward to make at home. Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s become a cold-weather essential in kitchens everywhere!

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