Looking for a warm, hearty dish that is perfect for any season? This easy baked potato soup recipe is the perfect comfort food to satisfy your cravings. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make, making it an ideal go-to recipe whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef. Read on to discover how to make the most delicious baked potato soup with minimal effort and maximum flavor. You'll be delighted by how easy it is to bring this restaurant-quality dish to your dining table!

What is Baked Potato Soup?

Baked potato soup is a thick, creamy, and flavorful soup that takes all the deliciousness of a baked potato and transforms it into a rich, velvety bowl of comfort. The star ingredient is, of course, baked potatoes. They bring a starchy, hearty texture to the soup, while bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives elevate the flavor, creating that classic baked potato taste. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Baked Potato Soup

To make this delectable baked potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, baked and peeled
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth of flavor)
Chopped green onions or chives for garnish
Extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own by swapping or adding ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian version: Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Lighter version: Swap the whole milk with low-fat milk or a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter option.
Loaded potato soup: Add additional toppings such as diced ham, crumbled sausage, or even some sautéed mushrooms for an extra hearty soup.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of regular flour.

Now that you’ve got all the ingredients ready and you know how to customize the soup to your liking, let’s get started with cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Baked Potato Soup

Here’s how to cook this easy baked potato soup, step by step. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – this recipe is straightforward and designed to be foolproof.

Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes, then poke them a few times with a fork. Bake them directly on the oven rack for about 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool slightly, then peel and roughly chop them.
Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot with the reserved bacon fat, add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Roux: Push the onions and garlic to the side of the pot and melt the butter in the center. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to combine the roux. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
Add Potatoes and Milk: Add the chopped baked potatoes to the pot and stir in the milk or half-and-half. Use a potato masher to slightly mash the potatoes in the pot. This will give your soup a creamy texture with some chunks of potato still intact.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, and chopped chives or green onions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Baked Potato Soup

Overcooking the potatoes: Be sure not to overcook the potatoes in the oven. They should be tender but not mushy, as they will break down further when added to the soup.
Burning the roux: Keep a close eye when making the roux, as burning the flour can lead to an unpleasant bitter taste in your soup.
Not using enough seasoning: Potatoes can be bland if not seasoned properly. Be generous with the salt and pepper, and taste as you go to ensure the soup is well-flavored.
Skipping the bacon fat: Bacon fat adds a lot of depth and richness to the soup. If you're omitting bacon, consider using a small amount of butter or oil to sauté the onions and garlic.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Baked Potato Soup

Presentation matters, especially when you want to impress your guests or make the meal feel extra special. Here are some tips to make your baked potato soup look as good as it tastes:

Garnish generously: A sprinkle of crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, extra shredded cheese, and a few fresh chives or green onions make the soup not only tastier but more visually appealing.
Serve in bread bowls: For an extra fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls. This adds a rustic charm and makes for a hearty meal.
Use different bowls: For a chic, modern presentation, serve the soup in contrasting white or dark-colored bowls to highlight the creamy texture and colorful toppings.

How to Serve Baked Potato Soup

Baked potato soup is a rich and hearty dish that can easily be served as a main course, especially when paired with some light sides. Here’s how you can serve it:

With a side of bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy broth.
As part of a meal: Pair the soup with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
In small portions: If you're serving this soup at a dinner party, you can offer it as an appetizer in small cups or bowls.

Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can easily make it ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
Freezing: You can freeze baked potato soup, but it may change the texture slightly. To avoid separation, add the milk and cheese after reheating the frozen soup.
Extra creamy: For an extra creamy soup, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use leftover baked potatoes? Yes! Using leftover baked potatoes can save you time and make the soup even quicker to prepare.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Simply sauté the onions, garlic, and bacon separately, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the milk and cheese in the last hour.
How long can I store baked potato soup? Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Conclusion

This easy baked potato soup recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or casual lunch. With its rich, creamy base and customizable toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it on its own or pair it with a salad or bread, this baked potato soup is a comforting and delicious option for any occasion. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

So, grab your apron, follow these simple steps, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort. Enjoy!