Dinner

Easy Baked Potato Soup

Recipe Image 3

This loaded baked potato soup is basically comfort food in a bowl that tricks people into thinking you’re some kind of kitchen wizard.

All the creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed goodness of a loaded baked potato gets transformed into the most soul-warming soup you’ll ever slurp.

The best part is watching people’s faces when they realize you made something this incredible from scratch without breaking a sweat.

Every spoonful delivers tender chunks of potato swimming in a rich, velvety base that’s been infused with crispy bacon fat because we’re not playing around here.

This is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like pure happiness and has everyone asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first bowl.

Fair warning: making this soup will officially establish you as the person everyone calls when they need comfort food that actually delivers on its promises.

Ingredients

For the soup base

6 strips bacon, chopped
1 /2 medium onion, chopped
4 large Russet potatoes, diced
1 /4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 clove garlic, minced

For the loaded toppings

3 /4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
3 /4 cup sour cream (or more to taste)
Chopped scallions to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the bacon base

1 Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces using kitchen shears for easy prep, then add to a large soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the bacon becomes golden brown and crispy. The bacon should render plenty of fat and make satisfying sizzling sounds.
2 While the bacon cooks, prep your vegetables by chopping the onion and dicing the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. You can peel the potatoes completely or scrub them well and leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients.
3 Once the bacon reaches perfect crispiness, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Leave approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot (eyeballing this amount is perfectly fine) and either discard the excess or save it for another recipe.

Build the soup foundation

4 Add the chopped onion to the pot with the reserved bacon fat and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The onion should soften completely and pick up those delicious bacon flavors from the rendered fat.
5 Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken your soup beautifully without any lumps.
6 Slowly whisk in the milk, adding it gradually to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the flour mixture dissolves completely and the base becomes smooth and creamy.

Simmer and finish

7 Add the chicken broth, minced garlic, and diced potatoes to the pot. Increase heat to high and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon. When the soup approaches a boil with bubbles forming around the edges, immediately reduce heat to low and cover with the lid slightly ajar.
8 Let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes until the potatoes become fork-tender and start falling apart. While the soup cooks, prepare your toppings by grating fresh cheddar cheese, chopping scallions, and measuring out the sour cream.
9 Test the potatoes for doneness by piercing with a fork – they should be completely tender and beginning to break down. Use a potato masher to partially mash some potatoes directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture, or leave them whole if you prefer.
10 Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and most of the cheddar cheese and bacon, reserving some for garnishing each bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately topped with remaining cheese, bacon, and fresh scallions.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Heavy-bottomed soup pot – Essential for even heat distribution and preventing the milk base from scorching during the long simmer time
Kitchen shears – Makes chopping bacon incredibly quick and safe, plus you can cut directly over the pot to minimize cleanup
Whisk – Critical for incorporating the flour smoothly and preventing lumps when adding the milk gradually
Potato masher – Perfect for creating the ideal texture by partially mashing some potatoes while leaving others chunky

Helpful Upgrades

Immersion blender – Allows you to blend just a portion of the soup for extra creaminess while keeping desired chunks
Fine-mesh strainer – Useful if you want an ultra-smooth base, though the rustic texture is part of this soup’s charm
Ladle with pour spout – Makes serving much neater and helps prevent drips when filling bowls

Nice-to-Have Options

Digital kitchen scale – Ensures consistent results when measuring flour and cheese for perfect thickening every time
Microplane grater – Creates finely grated cheese that melts more smoothly into the soup base than pre-shredded varieties

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace 1/4 cup all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons cornstarch or 1/4 cup gluten-free flour blend
Whisk cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk before adding to prevent clumping
Expect slightly different thickening properties – cornstarch creates a more translucent, glossy finish
Add thickening agent gradually and simmer 2-3 minutes longer to activate properly

Dairy-Free Modifications

Substitute whole milk with unsweetened cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk for richness
Replace sour cream with dairy-free Greek yogurt alternative or cashew-based sour cream
Use nutritional yeast plus dairy-free cheddar shreds for cheesy flavor without dairy
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to enhance mouthfeel when using plant-based milks

Lighter Version

Use 2% milk instead of whole milk and reduce to 3 cups, adding extra chicken broth
Replace full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt stirred in after removing from heat
Use turkey bacon and reduce to 4 strips for less saturated fat
Add cauliflower florets along with potatoes to bulk up the soup with fewer calories

Flavor Variations

Loaded Broccoli Version – Add 2 cups chopped broccoli during the last 10 minutes of simmering
Southwestern Style – Include diced jalapeños, cumin, and top with pepper jack cheese
Herb-Crusted – Stir in fresh chives, dill, and parsley just before serving

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This hearty soup provides approximately 320 calories per serving with a satisfying balance of macronutrients. Each bowl delivers about 12 grams of protein from the bacon, milk, and cheese, plus 28 grams of carbohydrates primarily from the nutrient-dense Russet potatoes. The soup contains roughly 18 grams of fat, much of which comes from the dairy components that provide essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Russet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses, providing potassium for heart health and vitamin C for immune support, plus vitamin B6 which aids in brain function and metabolism. The whole milk contributes calcium and vitamin D for bone health, while also providing complete proteins with all essential amino acids. Bacon, though used in moderation, adds B vitamins particularly B12 and niacin, plus selenium which acts as an antioxidant. The onions and garlic contribute quercetin and allicin, compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may support cardiovascular health.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten from flour, dairy from milk and cheese, and is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets due to bacon and chicken broth. Each serving provides about 6 grams of fiber when potatoes are left unpeeled. The soup fits well into balanced meal plans when paired with a simple green salad, providing comfort food satisfaction while delivering genuine nutritional value from whole food ingredients.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Russet potatoes → Yukon Gold potatoes (1:1 ratio, creates creamier texture but may break down more)
Whole milk → Half-and-half (reduces to 3 cups for richer result) or 2% milk (same amount, slightly thinner consistency)
All-purpose flour → Cornstarch (3 tablespoons mixed with cold liquid first)
Fresh garlic → Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon equals 1 clove)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Bacon → Ham steak diced small or turkey bacon (use 1 tablespoon oil for cooking)
Fresh cheddar → Pre-shredded cheddar (may not melt as smoothly but works perfectly)
Sour cream → Plain Greek yogurt (stir in after removing from heat to prevent curdling)
Chicken broth → Vegetable broth or bouillon dissolved in water

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Fresh onion → Onion powder (1 tablespoon equals 1/2 medium onion)
Scallions → Chives or green parts of regular onions
Cheddar cheese → Any melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store leftover bacon fat in refrigerator for up to 1 month – perfect for roasting vegetables
When using cornstarch, always mix with cold liquid first to prevent lumping
Frozen diced onions work great and save prep time – no thawing needed

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace 2 of the 4 potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbs by approximately 15 grams per serving
Use almond flour (3 tablespoons) instead of all-purpose flour to cut 20 grams carbs total
Substitute unsweetened almond milk for regular milk, saving 12 grams carbs per cup

Portion & Blood Sugar Management:

Serve 3/4 cup portions instead of full cups to reduce carb load to approximately 18-20 grams per serving
Add 2 tablespoons extra protein like diced ham or cooked chicken to slow glucose absorption
Pair with mixed green salad with olive oil dressing to add fiber and healthy fats

Smart Cooking Modifications:

Cook potatoes until just tender rather than fall-apart soft to maintain lower glycemic impact
Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar which may help with post-meal blood sugar response
Include extra fiber by leaving potato skins on and adding 1 cup chopped broccoli

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version contains approximately 18-22 grams net carbs per serving versus 28 grams in original recipe.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

This rich, creamy soup pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose acidity cuts through the dairy richness perfectly. For beer lovers, a light lager or wheat beer complements the comfort food nature without overwhelming the delicate potato flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate, or iced tea for a classic American comfort food combination.

Side Dish Recommendations

Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or cornbread for dipping and added texture contrast. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides peppery freshness that balances the soup’s richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli add nutritional value and color to the meal. For heartier appetites, grilled cheese sandwiches made with sharp cheddar create the ultimate comfort food combination.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes, serve the soup as the main course with warm dinner rolls, and finish with apple crisp or berry cobbler for a satisfying seasonal menu. For casual entertaining, set up a soup bar with various toppings like extra bacon bits, chives, different cheeses, and crusty bread varieties so guests can customize their bowls.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for Sunday family dinners, cold weather gatherings, or casual weeknight meals when you want something special but achievable. Excellent for potluck contributions since it travels well and appeals to most palates.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Reserve some of the crispy bacon separately before adding it to the soup – this prevents it from getting soggy and provides better texture contrast when serving. For restaurant-quality smoothness, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking, then stir the chunky bits back in for ideal consistency. Temper the sour cream by mixing it with a few spoonfuls of hot soup before stirring into the pot to prevent curdling.

Common Mistake Prevention

Never let the soup reach a rolling boil after adding dairy – this causes curdling and grainy texture. If your soup becomes too thick, thin it gradually with warm milk or chicken broth rather than cold liquid which can cause temperature shock. Always add cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming stringy or separating from the base.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed since dairy-based soups thicken when chilled. Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which separates and becomes grainy when thawed.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare the soup base through step 7, then cool and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the sour cream and cheese. Cook bacon ahead and store separately, then crisp it quickly in a dry skillet before serving.

Scaling Tips

This recipe doubles easily but use a larger pot to prevent overflow. When making larger batches, increase simmering time by 5-10 minutes to ensure all potatoes cook evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings after scaling since salt and pepper needs don’t always scale proportionally.

This loaded baked potato soup delivers everything you want in comfort food – creamy richness, satisfying chunks, and that perfect balance of flavors that makes you close your eyes on the first spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special on a chilly evening, this recipe proves that the best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, just made with care and quality ingredients that let each element shine.