Cozy Up with the Ultimate Baked Potato Soup A Comfort Food Masterpiece

If baked potatoes and hearty soups are your love language, this Creamy Baked Potato Soup recipe is about to become your cold-weather staple. Imagine the fluffy insides of a loaded baked potato—smoky bacon, melted cheddar, tangy sour cream, and fresh chives—swirled into a velvety, rich soup. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for chilly evenings, game-day gatherings, or whenever you crave a hug in a bowl. Let’s dive into this simple yet indulgent recipe that promises to delight your taste buds.

Why This Recipe Works

Traditional baked potato soup often leans on heavy cream or flour-based roux for thickness, but this version lets the potatoes shine. By roasting the potatoes first, we unlock their natural sweetness and earthy depth. Blending half the soup creates a luxuriously creamy base without overwhelming richness, while reserving chunks of potato ensures every spoonful has texture. Paired with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and decadence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 4–6)

4 large russet potatoes (about 2.5 lbs), scrubbed and pierced

6 slices bacon, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1 medium yellow onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup sour cream

3 green onions (or chives), thinly sliced

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional toppings: Extra cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, or crusty bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50–60 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly, then scoop out the fluffy insides. Discard the skins or save them for crispy snacks!

2. Crisp the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

3. Build the Flavor Base

Sauté diced onion in the bacon fat for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Simmer the Soup

Add the potato flesh to the pot, mashing slightly with a spoon. Pour in broth and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

5. Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup (or transfer 2 cups to a blender). This creates a thick, silky base while leaving plenty of potato chunks.

6. Add the Finishing Touches

Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted, followed by sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. For extra texture, fold in half the crispy bacon and half the green onions.

Pro Tips for Success

Potato Prep: For deeper flavor, rub potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking.

Dairy Swap: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy twist.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use olive oil. Add 1 tsp liquid smoke for that signature savory note.

Texture Control: Blend more for a smoother soup or less for a chunkier vibe.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the soup base up to 2 days ahead, adding dairy and toppings just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle the soup into bowls and go wild with toppings: a sprinkle of bacon, a handful of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a confetti of green onions. For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or pickled jalapeños. Serve with crusty bread, a side salad, or even loaded potato skins for the ultimate comfort-food feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the texture. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling the dairy. While freezing isn’t ideal (potatoes can become grainy), the soup base (without dairy) freezes well for up to 2 months.

The Final Scoop

This Baked Potato Soup is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of cozy flavors and simple pleasures. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Swap in your favorite cheeses, add roasted cauliflower for a veggie boost, or toss in leftover ham for a heartier twist. So grab a spoon, pile on those toppings, and let this soup remind you that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most unforgettable.