When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy. This Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon is an absolute dream for busy women like you, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

It’s packed with all the deliciousness of a classic baked potato, transformed into a creamy, dreamy soup. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a smart meal prep option, this recipe delivers big on taste without requiring hours in the kitchen. Get ready for a zesty, comforting experience!

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Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This soup delivers all the cozy, satisfying flavors of a loaded baked potato in a warm bowl.

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality soup.

• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adjust consistency or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.

• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup holds up beautifully, making it perfect for delicious leftovers throughout the week.

• Hearty & Filling: Packed with potatoes, cheese, and bacon, it’s a satisfying meal on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Primary components: You’ll need crispy bacon, russet potatoes (the best for creamy texture), a yellow onion, and fresh garlic for the aromatic base.

• Liquids & Seasoning: Chicken broth forms the soup’s foundation, while whole milk and heavy cream create that luxurious, creamy consistency. All-purpose flour helps thicken the soup. Salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika add a zesty depth of flavor.

• Optional add-ins: Sharp cheddar cheese is a must for that classic “loaded” flavor. Fresh chives add bright, oniony notes and a pop of color. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or green onions for extra flair.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along to their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Exact quantities appear in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon

Crafting this delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon involves a few simple steps: first, crisp up your bacon, then sauté aromatics, simmer the potatoes until tender, and finally, thicken and blend the soup to your desired creaminess.

For more details on soup-making techniques, check out Serious Eats.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon & Sauté Aromatics

Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon, reserving one tablespoon of fat. Add olive oil, then sauté chopped onion until softened, followed by minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer Potatoes in Broth

Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Thickening Mixture

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

Step 4: Thicken the Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Gradually whisk the milk mixture into the simmering soup. Continue stirring constantly until the soup thickens to your desired consistency, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth. Then, mix in the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 6: Blend to Your Preferred Consistency

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend a portion of the soup until it reaches your desired smoothness or chunkiness.

Alternatively, carefully transfer about 2 cups of soup to a regular blender, blend, and return to the pot.

Step 7: Finish and Serve Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Stir in half of the cooked bacon and half of the chopped chives into the soup.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh chives before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Choose Russets: Use russet potatoes for the best starchy texture that breaks down beautifully for a creamy soup.

• Don’t Overcook Bacon: Cook bacon until just crispy, as it will continue to crisp slightly when added to the hot soup.

• Whisk Flour Mixture Thoroughly: Ensure your milk and flour mixture is completely smooth to avoid lumps in your soup.

• Gradual Thickening: Add the milk mixture slowly while stirring continuously to prevent scorching and ensure even thickening.

• Blend to Preference: Whether you like it silky smooth or with some potato chunks, blend to your ideal texture.

• Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as needed for perfect seasoning.

• Don’t Boil After Cheese: Once the cheese is added, avoid boiling the soup to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.

Side Dishes

• This rich soup pairs beautifully with a light, crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette dressing will cut through the richness of the soup perfectly.

• For a truly comforting meal, serve with a side of warm crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping. They’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of this delicious soup.

• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus offer a healthy and flavorful contrast to the creamy soup.

Make Ahead and Storage the Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing.

Freezing

Due to the dairy (milk and cream), freezing this soup is not ideal as it can cause separation and a grainy texture upon thawing. We recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated.

If you must freeze, blend the soup until very smooth before freezing to minimize separation. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from curdling.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until hot. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick.

Final Thoughts about the Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any busy weeknight or a cozy weekend.

Its rich, satisfying flavors and easy preparation make it a true winner. Don’t hesitate to experiment with extra toppings like a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions to make it truly your own.

FAQs about the Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon

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