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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Easy with Crispy Bacon Toppings

creamy loaded baked potato soup - featured image

A comforting and creamy baked potato soup loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and topped with crispy bacon and green onions. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to make in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the butter, onions, and garlic. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should be bubbly and thick but not browned.
  4. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Using a potato masher or hand blender, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to create a creamy texture with some chunks left for bite.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add the whole milk, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add smoked paprika or cayenne if using.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with crispy bacon crumbles and sliced green onions. Add extra cheddar or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

If soup is too thick after adding dairy, stir in more broth or milk to reach desired consistency. Add cheese off direct heat or on very low to avoid curdling. Cook bacon until very crispy and drain excess fat to keep toppings crunchy. Season gradually due to salty bacon and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, loaded potato soup, bacon soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheesy soup