Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Looking for a quick and hearty soup that's packed with flavor? This Easy Baked Potato Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, made with simple ingredients and minimal effort! It combines the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato—crispy bacon, melted cheese, sour cream, and chives—into a creamy, indulgent soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Follow along for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and delicious variations.

this Recipe

What is Baked Potato Soup?

Baked Potato Soup is a creamy, rich soup made with baked potatoes, butter, cream, and often loaded with all the classic baked potato toppings like bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions or chives. The potatoes are usually baked first to develop a deep, roasted flavor, then blended or mashed into the soup base to create a silky texture. The toppings make this dish even more indulgent, giving you all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in soup form.

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Ingredients List for Easy Baked Potato Soup

This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 large Russet potatoes (baked and cooled)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
• Extra shredded cheese and bacon for serving

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Substitutions and Variations

This Easy Baked Potato Soup recipe is very flexible, allowing for plenty of substitutions and variations. Here are a few ideas to customize the soup to your taste:

• Make it dairy-free by using unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk. You can also replace the butter with olive oil and the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Top it with different cheeses: Feel free to use your favorite cheese, like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan.

Feel free to get creative and make this soup your own!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Easy Baked Potato Soup:

1. Bake the Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Wash and dry the potatoes, then poke a few holes in each potato with a fork.
• Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
• Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then peel off the skins and roughly chop the potatoes into cubes. Set aside.

Tip: You can bake the potatoes ahead of time to save on prep. Alternatively, use leftover baked potatoes.

2. Cook the Bacon

• While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
• Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside for garnish.
• Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, add the butter to the reserved bacon grease and melt over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

4. Make the Roux

• Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to combine. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Add the Potatoes and Milk

• Stir in the chopped baked potatoes and pour in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
• Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This creates a creamier texture while leaving some chunks for a more rustic feel.

6. Add Sour Cream and Cheese

• Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Simmer and Serve

• Let the soup simmer for 5-10 more minutes to thicken and develop the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from sticking.
• Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, ladle it into bowls.

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How to Cook Easy Baked Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick overview of the main steps involved in making Easy Baked Potato Soup:

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Baking the potatoes gives them a tender, fluffy texture and brings out their natural sweetness. This step ensures that the potatoes are soft enough to break down easily in the soup.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Crispy bacon adds both flavor and texture to the soup. The rendered bacon fat is used to enhance the flavor of the sautéed onions and garlic.

Step 3: Make a Roux

A roux is a mixture of fat (in this case, butter and bacon grease) and flour that helps thicken the soup. Be sure to cook the flour for a minute or two to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Dairy

Once the roux is thickened with broth, add the chopped baked potatoes and milk. Mashing some of the potatoes creates a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Cheese

The addition of sour cream and cheese gives the soup its rich, indulgent flavor. Don’t forget to stir constantly while melting the cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few pitfalls to avoid:

1. Undercooking the Potatoes: Make sure your baked potatoes are fully cooked before adding them to the soup. If they are undercooked, they won’t break down properly, leaving the soup with a gritty texture.
2. Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and become bitter, so be sure to sauté it only briefly after the onions are soft.
3. Not Using a Thickener: If you skip the roux (butter and flour mixture), your soup may be too thin. Don’t worry—cooking the roux is easy, and it adds a lot of creaminess to the soup.
4. Adding Dairy at Too High a Heat: Dairy can curdle if added to a boiling soup. Make sure to add milk, sour cream, and cheese at a lower heat and stir continuously for a smooth, creamy texture.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can take your Easy Baked Potato Soup from simple to impressive. Here’s how to make your dish shine:

• Top with extra shredded cheese: A generous sprinkle of cheese on top of the soup will melt and add extra richness.
• Garnish with crispy bacon and chives: Crumbled bacon and freshly chopped chives or green onions not only add a pop of color but also flavor and crunch.
• Add a dollop of sour cream: A small spoonful of sour cream on top makes the soup even creamier and mimics the flavor of a loaded baked potato.
• Serve with crusty bread: A side of crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for dipping into the soup.

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How to Serve Easy Baked Potato Soup

Baked Potato Soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a main course: This hearty soup is filling enough to serve on its own for lunch or dinner, especially with toppings like bacon, cheese, and chives.
• As a side dish: Serve smaller portions alongside a green salad or a sandwich for a complete meal.
• For meal prep: Make a large batch and store the soup in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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Presentation Ideas for Easy Baked Potato Soup

Here are some ideas to make your soup look as good as it tastes:

• Serve in bread bowls: Hollow out small sourdough rounds and ladle the soup inside for a fun, rustic presentation.
• Use white bowls with colorful garnishes: The contrast between the creamy soup and vibrant toppings like chives, bacon, and cheese creates an eye-catching dish.
• Top with microgreens or edible flowers: For a more elegant presentation, add a handful of microgreens or a small edible flower on top.

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Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips

to ensure you make the best Easy Baked Potato Soup every time:

• Use Russet potatoes: They have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for blending into a creamy soup.
• Don’t skip the toppings: The bacon, cheese, and chives really elevate this dish, so be sure to add them!
• Make ahead: You can make the soup a day ahead to let the flavors meld together. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes well without the dairy. If you plan on freezing, hold off on adding the milk, cheese, and sour cream, then stir them in when reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Baked Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the soup up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Baked Potato Soup?

Yes, but avoid freezing it with dairy (milk, sour cream, and cheese). Freeze the soup base, then add the dairy after thawing and reheating to prevent curdling.

3. How can I thicken my soup if it's too thin?

If your soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered to reduce the liquid or mash more potatoes into the soup. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water) and stir it in while the soup simmers.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make in a slow cooker, cook the bacon separately and add it at the end. Add all the other ingredients (except the milk, cheese, and sour cream) and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in the dairy in the last 30 minutes.

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Conclusion

This Easy Baked Potato Soup is the perfect dish for when you want something warm, hearty, and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With baked potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, it’s like a loaded baked potato in a bowl! Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this soup is sure to satisfy. Ready to make this delicious comfort food? Gather your ingredients and get started on your new favorite potato soup!

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