This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. The creamy base, combined with tender chunks of baked potato, crispy bacon, and sharp Cheddar cheese, makes it a rich, filling, and satisfying dish. The addition of sour cream and green onions brings a tangy, fresh twist to the overall flavor, balancing the richness of the soup. Perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings, this soup can be easily whipped up with basic ingredients. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad, and you’ve got a heartwarming meal that’s sure to please the entire family. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving something cozy, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups milk
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 12 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the potatoes with a fork and bake them for 1 hour, or until tender. Let them cool slightly, then peel and chop them into bite-sized chunks.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Add the chopped potatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
- Stir in the green onions, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal
Servings: 6 servings
Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Comfort in Every Spoonful
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Our Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing all the delicious flavors of a baked potato into a rich, creamy soup form. Combining tender chunks of potato, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, this soup is a guaranteed hit for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or just a cozy night in.
The Story Behind Baked Potato Soup
Potatoes have been a staple food across the world for centuries. Native to South America, specifically the Andes region, potatoes have made their way into countless traditional dishes globally. In the United States, the baked potato is a classic side dish, typically loaded with sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions. This soup is essentially a deconstructed baked potato, with all those delicious toppings combined into one flavorful, soul-warming bowl.
The idea of transforming baked potatoes into soup dates back several generations as a way to maximize the flavor and use of simple ingredients. In fact, potato soups have long been a staple in many cultures because of their affordability and ability to feed large groups. Over time, cooks have innovated and refined these soups, adding cream, cheese, and bacon to give the humble potato a gourmet twist.
Why Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the Best Comfort Food
- Rich and Creamy Texture
The base of this soup is made from a combination of butter, flour, and milk, creating a thick and creamy texture that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. The addition of sour cream adds a slightly tangy richness, while the melted cheddar cheese provides that gooey, cheesy delight that makes each spoonful feel indulgent. - Perfect for Cold Weather
As the temperature drops, we naturally crave warming, hearty foods. Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a perfect fit for fall and winter, offering warmth and comfort in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and savor its rich flavors. - Balanced Nutrition
While this soup feels like an indulgent treat, it can also be balanced for nutritional benefits. Potatoes are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, making them great for heart health and immunity. The bacon provides a savory crunch, and though it’s known for its fat content, you can use turkey bacon or even omit it for a lighter, healthier option. The added green onions bring a boost of antioxidants, while the cheese and milk offer calcium and protein, helping to make this meal both satisfying and nutritious. - Easy to Make with Pantry Staples
One of the great things about this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients. Potatoes, milk, flour, butter, cheese, and bacon are things many of us already have in our kitchens. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal, this is it! Additionally, this recipe is forgiving—you can adjust quantities or substitute ingredients based on what you have available, making it a versatile and convenient dish.
Benefits of Eating Potatoes
Potatoes often get a bad rap in the diet world, but they’re actually packed with beneficial nutrients. As a primary ingredient in this soup, potatoes offer several health advantages:
- High in Fiber: Potatoes contain significant fiber content, which helps promote good digestion and keeps you full for longer.
- Rich in Potassium: Potatoes are one of the best natural sources of potassium, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
- Vitamins and Minerals: In addition to potassium, potatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
When combined with ingredients like green onions and sour cream, which are rich in vitamins A and C, this soup becomes a nourishing, complete meal.
Customizing Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup
One of the best parts about this soup is its flexibility. You can adjust it to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Make It Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, you can simply omit the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon or smoked tofu. You’ll still get that smoky, savory flavor, but without the meat. - Lighten It Up
To make this soup a little lighter, use reduced-fat milk, sour cream, and cheese. You can also use turkey bacon or even eliminate the bacon altogether to cut down on calories and saturated fat. - Add Extra Vegetables
While the base of this soup is loaded with potatoes, you can add extra vegetables to increase the nutritional value. Try incorporating broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots for additional texture, color, and vitamins. - Go Gluten-Free
If you’re avoiding gluten, you can make a gluten-free version of this soup by using a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy option for those with dietary restrictions.
Pairing Suggestions
Loaded Baked Potato Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a full meal, consider serving it alongside:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: The creaminess of the soup contrasts beautifully with the crunch of toasted bread.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad will help balance the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food combo, pair this soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Tips for Making the Perfect Soup
To get the best results from this recipe, here are a few extra tips:
- Use Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes have the best texture for this soup because they become tender but not mushy, giving the soup that hearty, satisfying bite.
- Gradually Add the Milk: When making the roux (the butter and flour mixture), gradually add the milk and whisk constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy base.
- Bacon Crispness: Cook the bacon until it’s very crispy, so it retains its crunch when stirred into the soup. This adds a delightful texture contrast.
- Garnish Smartly: A sprinkle of extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a scattering of fresh green onions as a garnish will not only make the dish visually appealing but also add extra flavor.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is truly the best of both worlds. It delivers the beloved flavors of a classic baked potato—bacon, cheese, sour cream, and onions—in a form that’s easy to make, share, and enjoy. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also highly adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, something to impress guests, or simply a bowl of cozy comfort, this recipe hits the mark every time.
Conclusion
With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and simple ingredients, Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a staple that will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s the ultimate combination of comfort, convenience, and flavor—perfect for when you need something warm, filling, and undeniably satisfying.
