Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food packed with melty sharp cheddar cheese, crispy smoky bacon, and fresh chives. This hearty soup combines all the flavors of a loaded baked potato into a warm, satisfying bowl perfect for cold days or casual gatherings. Easy to make and customizable, it delivers indulgent flavor and a velvety texture that will become your go-to comfort dish.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 large Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh Chives, chopped (for garnish)
Proteins and Dairy
- 6 slices Crispy Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Potatoes and Veggies: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic so they’re ready to soften in the pot later.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy, then remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot for enhanced flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent and fragrant, laying the flavorful foundation of your soup.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced potatoes and chicken broth, bringing everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Blend for Creamy Texture: Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup gently to create a creamy but slightly chunky texture, or blend half and leave the rest chunky, depending on your preference.
- Stir in Dairy and Cheese: Lower the heat and slowly add the butter, cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything melts into a smooth, velvety soup.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then top with crispy bacon pieces and chopped chives for that final loaded touch.
Notes
- Use Russet Potatoes: Their starchy nature delivers the best creamy texture in the soup.
- Don’t Overblend: Keep some potato chunks for texture—fully pureed soup loses that beloved bite.
- Add Cheese Slowly: Stir in cheese off the heat to avoid curdling or graininess.
- Keep It Warm: Use low heat to prevent the soup from scorching on the bottom.
- Fresh Chives: Add right before serving to maintain their bright color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, loaded potato soup, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup