Hearty Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Embracing the Heart of Soup Season

For many, the cooler months herald the much-anticipated soup season – a time when hearty, warming bowls of comfort become a staple at dinner tables. In places like Texas, where the transition from sun-drenched pool days to crisp evenings is distinct, soup season is not just a culinary preference, but a delightful way of life. This year, get ready to elevate your autumn and winter dining with an extraordinary recipe: our Loaded Baked Potato Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, boasting an incredible depth of flavor and a wonderfully satisfying texture. Each spoonful is a symphony of perfectly baked potatoes, expertly mashed and cubed, complemented by savory, crisp bacon, melty sharp cheddar cheese, the tangy creaminess of sour cream, and the fresh bite of green onions. This isn’t just a soup; it’s the reason we eagerly await soup season.

There’s an undeniable magic in a homemade soup that store-bought versions simply can’t replicate. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the wholesome ingredients you meticulously select, and the love poured into every stirring motion contribute to a dish that nourishes both body and soul. Our Loaded Baked Potato Soup captures this essence perfectly. It transforms the humble potato into a luxurious, flavorful base, inviting you to customize it with your favorite toppings. Whether it’s a quiet family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a cozy night in, this soup promises warmth, satisfaction, and a taste that lingers pleasantly, making it an instant classic in your recipe repertoire.

Crafting the Ultimate Cozy Comfort Bowl

Nothing says comfort quite like a steaming bowl of hot, hearty soup, and our Loaded Baked Potato Soup truly defines coziness. This isn’t just any potato soup; it’s a masterpiece of culinary comfort, crafted with a rich, creamy base generously packed with tender potato chunks, smoky bacon, and vibrant green onions. Every single bite offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes – from the smooth, velvety broth to the tender potatoes and the irresistible crunch of bacon. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that provides deep satisfaction and warmth, making it an absolute must-have for the colder months.

Imagine coming home on a chilly evening to the inviting aroma of this delicious soup simmering on the stove. This dish is designed to be a winter-perfect savior, a comforting embrace in a bowl that your family will undoubtedly request again and again. Its appeal lies not only in its robust flavor but also in its ability to bring people together, creating cherished memories around the dinner table. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth, making even the coldest day feel a little more inviting. Prepare to fall in love with its irresistible charm and make it a cherished tradition in your home.

Explore More Hearty Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of comforting and flavorful soups, you’ll be delighted by these additional recipes from our kitchen. Each one promises warmth, satisfaction, and a unique blend of ingredients to suit every palate.

• Tuscan Tortellini Soup: Discover the rich flavors of Italy in this comforting one-pot meal. Packed with tender tortellini, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s perfect for a chilly winter day and incredibly easy to make.
• Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup: Recreate the magic of your favorite fast-food classic with this homemade version. It tastes even better than the original, allowing you to enjoy this delightful chicken tortilla soup year-round, even on Sundays!
• Baked Sweet Potato Soup: For a unique twist on a classic, try this baked sweet potato soup. Loaded with the same comforting toppings like cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh onions, it offers a wonderful balance of sweet and savory for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup: Nothing quite compares to the nostalgic comfort of homemade chicken noodle soup. Transform your day with a warm, soothing bowl filled with tender shredded chicken, classic egg noodles, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a deeply savory broth. It’s a meal that truly feels like a hug from the inside out.
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Soup: Indulge in a creamy and satisfying bowl of broccoli cheddar chicken soup. Brimming with fresh broccoli florets, tender shredded chicken, and rich, creamy cheese, it makes for the perfect comforting dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Making this hearty Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a rewarding process, culminating in a dish that’s rich in flavor and wonderfully comforting. Follow these detailed steps to create a masterpiece that will impress everyone at your table.

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly clean and scrub your russet potatoes under cold water. Using a fork, pierce each potato about 6 times all over to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting and ensuring even cooking.
2. Bake for Perfection: Wrap each pierced potato individually in aluminum foil. This helps them steam and become incredibly tender. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are soft to the touch when gently squeezed. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool just enough so you can handle them comfortably.
3. Process the Potatoes: Carefully remove the skin from all the baked potatoes. In a large bowl, mash two of the potatoes until smooth. This mashed portion will contribute to the soup’s thick, creamy body. Cut the remaining baked potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. These cubes will add wonderful texture and hearty substance to the soup.

4. Cook the Bacon: Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut the bacon slices into small, roughly ½-inch pieces. Add these bacon pieces to your large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is wonderfully crisp and all its fat has rendered, typically about 10 minutes.
5. Reserve Bacon & Grease: With a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked, crisp bacon bits from the pot, leaving the rendered bacon grease behind. Transfer the bacon bits to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
6. Prepare Garnishes: Set aside ¼ cup of the cooked bacon bits, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of chopped green onions, and ¼ cup of sour cream. These will be used later as delicious garnishes for individual servings, ensuring that “loaded” experience.
7. Create the Roux: Turn the burner down to medium heat. Whisk the all-purpose flour directly into the hot bacon grease in the pot. Continue whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until a thick, smooth paste (a roux) forms. This step is crucial for thickening the soup and building a flavorful base.
8. Build the Creamy Base: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk gently as the mixture heats and thickens, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice it transform into a smooth, creamy base.

9. Combine Potatoes & Flavors: Stir in both the mashed potatoes and the cubed potatoes into the thickened milk mixture. Ensure they are well combined.
10. Melt in the Cheese & Sour Cream: Add the remaining ½ cup of sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and the rest of the cooked bacon bits (the portion not reserved for garnish). Gently stir the soup until the cheese is completely melted and beautifully incorporated, creating a rich, gooey texture.
11. Final Seasoning & Green Onions: Once the cheese has melted, stir in all but ¼ cup of the chopped green onions (reserving that last ¼ cup for garnish), along with the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
12. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot, comforting soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving generously with the reserved cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, fresh green onions, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve immediately and savor every loaded bite!

Expert Tips for Success:

• Potato Choice: While russets are best, Yukon Golds can also work for a slightly waxier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red bliss, as they won’t break down enough to create a creamy soup.
• Flavorful Bacon Grease: Don’t skimp on using the bacon grease for the roux. It’s where a lot of the soup’s signature smoky flavor comes from.
• Preventing Lumps: When adding milk to the roux, make sure your milk is at room temperature to help prevent lumps. Pour slowly and whisk vigorously.
• Gentle Simmering: Once the milk is added, maintain a gentle simmer. Boiling too rapidly can cause the soup to separate or become too thick too quickly.
• Customizing Thickness: If your soup is too thick, thin it with a little extra milk or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, you can make a small slurry of cornstarch and water, and whisk it into the simmering soup a tablespoon at a time until desired thickness is reached.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers of Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup

One of the best things about a hearty soup like this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is that it often tastes even better the next day! Proper storage ensures you can savor every last drop, and even enjoy it weeks or months later. Here’s how to store your delicious leftovers:

Refrigerator Storage:

For immediate enjoyment, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent any odors from mixing with other foods in your refrigerator and to maintain freshness. Stored properly, the soup will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out slightly, as potato soup tends to thicken as it cools.

Freezing Instructions for Long-Term Enjoyment:

Loaded Baked Potato Soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic meal-prep option. Follow these steps for successful freezing:

1. Cool Completely: Before freezing, it’s crucial to allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents ice crystals from forming excessively and helps maintain the soup’s texture. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pot in an ice bath or transferring the soup to shallower containers.
2. Choose the Right Container: Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, double-bagging is highly recommended to protect against freezer burn and potential leaks. Leave about an inch of headspace in containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
3. Label and Freeze: Label your container or bag with the date. Potato soup should keep great in the freezer for 3-4 months. Beyond this time, it will still be safe to eat, but the quality and texture might start to decline.

Reheating from Frozen:

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Again, you may need to add a bit of milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency. Avoid reheating at very high temperatures, as this can cause the dairy components to separate. With these tips, you can enjoy the comforting taste of homemade Loaded Baked Potato Soup whenever the craving strikes!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe