Description
Warm, rich, and full of comfort, this Baked Potato Soup is your ultimate cold-weather companion. This creamy soup tastes just like a loaded baked potato—full of tender baked potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Whether you're searching for quick dinner ideas, an easy recipe to meal prep, or something hearty for lunch, this dish ticks all the boxes. Perfect for anyone craving food ideas that are both filling and flavorful, this soup also fits right into your collection of easy dinner or quick lunch recipes.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, baked and roughly mashed
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add butter to the pot. Once melted, sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the baked, mashed potatoes. Simmer another 5–10 minutes, mashing more if a thicker texture is desired.
6. Lower the heat. Stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
7. Serve hot, topped with bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Bake your potatoes ahead of time and let them cool before peeling for easier handling and better texture.
Don’t add cheese while the soup is too hot—it can separate or curdle.
For a smooth soup, blend half of it and leave the rest chunky for the best of both worlds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: baked potato soup, easy dinner, comfort food, hearty soup, creamy soup, quick meal, cold weather soup, loaded potato soup