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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

creamy loaded baked potato soup - featured image

A comforting, creamy baked potato soup loaded with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onions, perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
  • Optional: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra kick

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add butter to the bacon fat, then add diced onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in diced russet potatoes, coating them in the mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup until smooth and creamy, leaving the rest chunky. Alternatively, blend half the soup in batches in a regular blender and return to pot.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and sour cream, mixing gently. Heat through on low but do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Fold in half the cooked bacon, reserving the rest for garnish.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with remaining bacon and sliced green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

If soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. Avoid boiling after adding cream and sour cream to prevent curdling. Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor. Render bacon fat slowly over medium heat for maximum flavor. Blend half the soup for perfect creamy texture with chunks.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato soup, creamy soup, loaded potato soup, comfort food, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup