Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
This comforting loaded baked potato soup is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with tender potatoes, savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of smoky paprika. Perfect for cozy dinners, it combines sautéed aromatics with hearty potatoes and rich dairy for a velvety, satisfying soup that tastes just like a loaded baked potato in a bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy & Toppings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the pot along with chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Purée the Soup: Once potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth or slightly chunky texture as preferred. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a stand blender and blend until smooth.
- Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Continue cooking over low heat until cheese fully melts and soup is heated through, around 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. Serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Russet potatoes work best for a creamy texture but Yukon Gold can be used as well.
- You can adjust the cheese amount based on your preference for cheesiness.
- Use an immersion blender for easier blending directly in the pot and to control the texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: baked potato soup, loaded baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheddar cheese soup, bacon potato soup