Loaded Baked Potato Soup

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of creamy soup that feels like a full meal, not just a starter. Loaded baked potato soup brings together everything people love about a classic baked potato, but in spoonable, cozy form. It’s rich without being heavy, simple enough for a weeknight, and familiar in the best way. I usually make it on colder evenings when everyone wants something filling and calm-inducing without much effort. This recipe works well for busy family dinners, casual weekends, or nights when standing over the stove needs to feel soothing instead of stressful. One pot, simple steps, and a payoff that feels worth it.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup hits that sweet spot between comforting and practical. It tastes indulgent, yet it’s made with everyday ingredients you probably already have. The creamy base carries deep potato flavor, while the toppings make each bowl feel personal and satisfying. It’s weeknight-friendly, easy to reheat, and generous enough to feed a small crowd without stretching your budget. Leftovers actually get better as the flavors settle, which makes it great for meal prep or busy days ahead. Loaded baked potato soup is also flexible, so you can adjust the richness, toppings, or texture based on what your family enjoys. It’s the kind of recipe people save because it fits real life, not special occasions.

Ingredients

Tip: Russet potatoes work best because they soften easily and create a naturally creamy texture.

Russet potatoes – 2 lbs, peeled and diced
Butter – 4 tablespoons
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
Milk – 2 cups
Chicken or vegetable broth – 2 cups
Sour cream – ¾ cup
Cheddar cheese – 1½ cups, shredded
Salt – 1½ teaspoons
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Cooked bacon – 6 slices, crumbled
Green onions – ¼ cup, sliced

a collection of ingredients for loaded baked

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Having everything ready before you start keeps the process calm and prevents overcooking while you search for ingredients.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, filling the kitchen with a savory aroma. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, not browned.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it coats the onions, creating a thick paste. Slowly pour in the broth and milk, stirring constantly. Add the potatoes, salt, and pepper, then bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a spoon. Stir in sour cream and cheese until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, then let it rest briefly so the texture settles before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe fits neatly into real schedules. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, so you can multitask while it simmers. It reheats well, making leftovers a win instead of an afterthought. It’s also easy to double, which means future dinners are already handled.

Tips & Tricks

Let the potatoes fully soften before blending or mashing. Undercooked potatoes can leave the soup grainy and uneven. If they resist a fork, give them a few extra minutes before moving on.
Stir dairy in gently over low heat. High heat can cause the soup to split or look oily. Keeping things calm at the end helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Don’t skip seasoning in layers. Adding salt early and adjusting at the end brings out the potato flavor without making the soup taste flat or overly salty.
Mash some potatoes directly in the pot instead of blending everything. This keeps the soup thick and hearty while still leaving soft chunks for texture.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add diced cooked chicken or turkey along with the potatoes for a heartier soup. It turns the dish into a full meal with extra protein and makes leftovers even more filling without changing the cozy flavor profile.

Vegetarian Option
Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon topping. Add extra green onions or sautéed mushrooms for depth. A pinch of smoked paprika can help replace that savory note bacon usually brings.

Ingredient Swap
Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy, lighter feel. It still gives creaminess but changes the texture just enough to feel fresh while using what you already have.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Stir in fresh thyme or chives near the end of cooking. These herbs add brightness and balance the richness without overpowering the familiar baked potato flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Bowl Night
Serve in deep bowls with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions on the table so everyone can customize their own. It turns dinner into a relaxed, build-your-own moment.
With Crusty Bread
Pair with warm bread or rolls for dipping. The contrast between creamy soup and chewy bread makes the meal feel more complete and comforting.
Light Side Salad
Balance the richness with a simple green salad dressed lightly. The freshness helps keep the meal from feeling too heavy, especially for weeknight dinners.
Family-Style Pot
Bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves. It feels casual, cozy, and perfect for slow evenings at home.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The soup will thicken as it sits, which is normal and easy to fix when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture and restore its creamy consistency without overheating.
Freezing
Freeze without toppings in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly to prevent separation.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the soup a day ahead and reheat before serving. Add cheese and toppings fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains approximately 380–450 calories and 12–16 grams of protein, depending on toppings and portion size. Potatoes provide potassium, while dairy contributes calcium. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes even better the next day after flavors settle.

Overheating after adding dairy can cause separation.

Yes, half-and-half or dairy-free milk both work.

Stir in warm broth or milk gradually.

Up to four days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This recipe is the kind you come back to when comfort is the goal and time is limited. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and easy to make your own with different toppings or add-ins. Loaded baked potato soup fits busy schedules, cozy nights, and leftover-friendly planning without feeling repetitive. Whether you stick to the classic version or tweak it to suit your pantry, it’s a recipe that invites reuse and personalization. Save it, adjust it, and let it become one of those reliable meals you’re genuinely glad to make again.