If you are longing for a warm, hearty meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, you absolutely have to try this Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with all the classic flavors you adore from a loaded baked potato—melty cheddar, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions—all brought together in a luscious soup that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something soul-soothing, this soup hits every note beautifully.

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the magic of this dish. Each component plays an important role—from the russet potatoes that give the soup its hearty base, to the sharp cheddar cheese that adds indulgent creaminess, every ingredient comes together to build layers of flavor and texture.

4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced: The foundation of your soup, providing a fluffy, hearty texture once cooked and blended.
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth: Adds depth and warmth; choose chicken broth for a richer taste or vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
1 medium onion, diced: Offers a sweet, savory undertone that balances the creaminess.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic depth and a gentle kick.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky richness that makes every spoonful so comforting.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings a bold, cheesy element that melts perfectly into the soup.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess that elevates the traditional baked potato flavors.
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Sprinkled on top for a delicious crunch and smoky finish.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Gives a fresh, mild bite and a lovely pop of color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic to golden perfection.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces subtle herbal notes that complement the potatoes perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth that highlights the soup’s depth.

How to Make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook them until they turn translucent and soft—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. This step is crucial because it builds the fragrant flavor base that will carry through the entire soup.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes in Broth

Now it’s time to add those diced russet potatoes along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. This simmering infuses the broth with the potatoes’ natural starchiness, contributing to the soup’s creamy texture.

Step 3: Blend to Desired Consistency

Grab your immersion blender and blend the soup right in the pot. You can go for a completely smooth texture or leave some potato chunks for a bit of rustic heartiness—whichever you prefer. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree until smooth. Just be cautious of the hot liquid to avoid spills.

Step 4: Add the Cream, Cheese, and Sour Cream

Return the blended soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup is heated through—about 5 minutes. Give it a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This step transforms the soup into a luxuriously creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Ladle your warm Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled bacon, some extra shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for texture and brightness. This is where the soup really comes to life, resembling the beloved loaded baked potato in a bowl.

How to Serve Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Garnishes

The right garnishes take this soup from delicious to unforgettable. Crumbled bacon provides a smoky crunch, shredded cheddar gives that extra gooey cheese pull, and the green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp finish. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or even a few drops of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop. Consider a side of roasted vegetables or a simple apple and walnut salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, a grilled cheese sandwich is a nostalgic and perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve this soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls for adorable, edible serving vessels. You can also layer toppings in clear mugs to showcase each colorful ingredient. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness, giving your soup a gourmet restaurant feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its rich flavor and creamy texture. Before reheating, give it a good stir as it may thicken slightly overnight.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this soup later, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that soups with dairy can sometimes change texture after freezing but stirring well after thawing usually brings it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent curdling. Stir frequently until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the soup if it thickened too much while stored. Microwave reheating is fine but do so in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they are starchy and break down nicely to create that creamy texture, but Yukon Golds can work if you prefer a slightly waxier consistency.

Can I use low-fat dairy instead of heavy cream?

You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, though it won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Sour cream is best kept as is for flavor and texture.

Is it okay to make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently before serving and add fresh garnishes at the last minute.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup feels too runny, simmer it uncovered a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid or mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken smoothly.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about a bowl of Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup—it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cared for, no matter the season. Its simple ingredients come together in a comforting, luscious way that feels indulgent yet homey. I hope you give this recipe a try soon, and that it becomes one of your cherished go-to meals when you want warmth and happiness in a bowl.