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Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup has all of the deliciousness of baked potatoes in soup form. A comforting soup perfect for cold winter days. 

If you are looking for the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter’s day, look no further than this Baked Potato Soup. It is loaded with baked potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream. Basically all of the goodness that you get from a loaded baked potato is packed into this soup.

And it is delicious.

It’s hard to find a soup that my kiddos will gobble down. Sure they love Chicken Noodle and this Ham and Potato but that is about it. Until now, they loved this Loaded Baked Potato Soup as much as my husband and I did. Win!

Ingredients:

When you think about the ingredients you need for Loaded Baked Potato Soup, think about all of the things that you put on your loaded baked potato

BAKED POTATOES: You’re going to need to plan in advance since you’ll need precooked baked potatoes for this. You could also make them in the microwave in a pinch! As far as peeling goes, I like the texture that leaving the skins on the potatoes give the soup. If you want a creamier texture, peel the potatoes.

BACON: You’ll need about 6 – 8 slices depending on whether or not you want some for a garnish.

BUTTER: Can’t have a baked potato without it right?!

YELLOW ONION: You’ll sauté the onion in the bacon grease. It’ll give the soup a lot more flavor.

FLOUR: This is what will help thicken the soup.

LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH: I like to use low-sodium chicken broth because it helps you control the salt content of the soup.

WHOLE MILK: For the creaminess.

SOUR CREAM: Adds more creaminess to soup and that characteristic sour cream taste that baked potatoes have.

CHEDDAR CHEESE: Freshly shredded cheddar is going to be the best, it’ll melt the best. Medium or sharp is perfect.

GREEN ONIONS: Loaded baked potatoes always come with chopped green onions or chives on top so this hearty soup gets a sprinkle of them before serving.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions

STEP #1: In a large dutch oven or soup pot cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoons pan drippings add 2 tablespoons butter and cook until melted.

STEP #2: Add onions and sauté until they have softened a bit, about 3 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the pan drippings.Whisk and cook one minute over medium heat

STEP #3: Whisk in the chicken broth. Slowly, whisk in the milk. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the milk is warmed through. Add potatoes to the pot. If you’re using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup to desired creaminess.

STEP #4: Add in cheddar and sour cream. and stir until cheeses have melted. Return the bacon to the pot (reserving some for toppings if desired) Simmer on medium-low heat for 35-40 minutes or until the soup thickens. Stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into soup bowls and top with green onions, bacon and more cheddar.

This soup will get considerably thicker as it cools. If this happens whisk in a bit more milk.

I served this soup with bread and garlic butter. It was perfect on a cold night!

Looking for more soup recipes? Try these:

Split Pea Soup with Ham Hocks

New England Clam Chowder

Zuppa Toscana Copycat Recipe

Hearty Beef Chili

Note: This post was originally published in 2009. It was updated in 2022 with a new recipe, photos and nutrition information.

Overhead photo of loaded baked potato soup.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

All of the goodness of baked potatoes, in soup form to warm you up on cold winter's days.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 544 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 large baking potatoes baked, diced into bite size pieces, peeling optional
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 3 green onions diced

Instructions
 

  • In a large dutch oven or soup pot cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoons pan drippings add 2 tablespoons butter and cook until melted.
  • Add onions and sauté until they have softened a bit, about 3 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the pan drippings.Whisk and cook one minute over medium heat
  • Whisk in the chicken broth. Slowly, whisk in the milk. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the milk is warmed through. Add potatoes to the pot. If you're using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup to desired creaminess.
  • Ladle into soup bowls, top with green onions and more cheddar. Serve hot.

Notes

This recipe uses baked potatoes that were prepared in advance. To do this: scrub the baking potatoes, pierce with a fork  a few times. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 45-50 minutes or until soft.
Cooking the flour for a minute or so helps prevent your soup from having a pasty taste so don’t skip this step. 
If you want a smoother soup, use an immersion blender. 
Leaving the skins on the potatoes will add a different texture to the soup. 
Try not to let the soup boil as doing so will cause it to separate. 
Nutrition information for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 544kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 21gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 1497mgPotassium: 1171mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 1088IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 496mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: bacon, baked potato, cheddar

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    stephchows
    March 24, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Mmmmmmmm this soup sounds perfect for a nice cold day… which unfortunately is what it is around here today haha. Supposed to warm up tomorrow though! I hope it does, I’m ready for spring :)

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 24, 2009 at 1:42 pm

      Steph: I am so ready for spring too! Unfortunately it seems like it is taking FOREVER to get here. Hopefully you get some warm weather tomorrow! I hear it is suppose to be somewhat nice here on Thursday before we get back to the rain, at least we get one day of sunshine :)

  • Reply
    Kevin
    March 21, 2009 at 8:15 am

    THis baked potato soup sounds really good!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 21, 2009 at 8:39 am

      Thank you Kevin!

  • Reply
    NAOmni
    March 20, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    Sounds amazing!

    NAOmni

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 20, 2009 at 10:14 pm

      Thanks NAOmni!

    Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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