Quick & Hearty Creamy Baked Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy baked potato soup that warms every corner of your soul.

Cold winter nights beg for hearty meals that soothe and nourish.

Potatoes blend with rich cream and savory herbs to create a velvety texture that dances on your palate.

Crispy bacon bits and green onions add delightful crunch and depth to each spoonful.

This classic recipe brings traditional flavors together in a simple yet elegant dish.

Creamy, smooth, and packed with robust ingredients, the soup promises a delectable experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every comforting bite of this beloved soup.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Baked Potato Soup

• Bacon: Provides smoky depth and crispy texture, choose thick-cut for maximum flavor impact.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds robust aromatic base, select fresh firm onions with no soft spots.
• Flour: Creates silky thickening agent, use all-purpose for smooth consistency.
• Milk, Chicken Broth: Delivers creamy liquid structure, opt for low-sodium broth for better control.

• Baked Potatoes: Adds substantial potato chunks, use starchy russet potatoes for best results.
• Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness, full-fat version provides superior creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Contributes sharp, melty flavor, aged varieties offer more intense taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, freshly ground pepper provides superior taste.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh garnish with mild onion brightness, use green and white parts.
• Additional Cheese: Creates extra topping layer, shredded works best for melting.

Gear Up for Baked Potato Soup Success

• Large pot: Essential for cooking bacon and building the soup base.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon without excess grease.
• Whisk: Crucial for creating a smooth roux and blending milk and broth.
• Potato masher: Helps create the perfect chunky-creamy soup texture.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping bacon, onions, and green onions.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and preventing sticking.

Baked Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

• Crisp Up the Bacon

Sizzle chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Scoop out the bacon pieces, leaving behind a thin layer of delicious grease.

• Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss diced onions into the pot and let them dance until soft and translucent. Quickly add minced garlic and let it release its fragrant magic.

• Build a Silky Base

Dust flour over the vegetables and stir continuously to create a smooth foundation. Pour in milk and broth gradually, whisking until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy.

• Transform the Potatoes

Drop in your pre-baked potato chunks. Gently crush some potatoes with a masher to create a rich, hearty texture while keeping some pieces whole for extra excitement.

• Elevate the Flavor

Lower the heat and stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar. Sprinkle in half the reserved bacon for a burst of smoky goodness. Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors sing.

• Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Crown each serving with remaining crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of cheese, and a shower of green onions for a picture-perfect finish.

Tips to Nail Baked Potato Soup + Fun Twists

• Perfectly crisp bacon adds irresistible smoky flavor.
• Partially mash potatoes to create a creamy yet chunky consistency that feels homemade.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter version or vegetarian bacon bits for a meat-free alternative.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining a similar creamy texture.
• Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese to make the soup allergen-friendly.

How to Plate and Pair Baked Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Topping Bar: Create a DIY topping station with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Let everyone customize their soup experience.
• Hearty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough bread or buttery cornbread. These perfect dipping partners elevate the soup's rich, creamy texture.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a light, crisp mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh greens balance the soup's indulgent, velvety consistency.
• Soup and Wine Match: Complement the creamy soup with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness, creating a delightful dining moment.

Smart Storage Ideas for Baked Potato Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth. Refrigerated soup stays delicious for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Dairy-based soups might slightly separate when thawed, so whisk gently when reheating to restore creamy texture.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra splash of milk or broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid microwave to maintain smooth consistency.
• Divide soup into individual serving containers before refrigerating. This approach prevents repeated reheating, which can degrade flavor and texture. Grab-and-go lunches become incredibly convenient with pre-portioned servings.

Creamy Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting Baked Potato Soup blends creamy richness with hearty potato goodness, bringing warmth to winter evenings. Crispy bacon bits and chives crown this classic dish, inviting you to savor each spoonful of homemade comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large russet potatoes, baked, peeled, and diced
• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Additional shredded cheese and bacon bits, for topping

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat, extracting it with a slotted spoon and reserving approximately one tablespoon of rendered fat.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté diced onions in remaining bacon grease until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant essence.
3. Roux Development: Dust flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth, golden base. Gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth, whisking until the mixture becomes velvety and free of lumps.
4. Potato Integration: Fold diced baked potatoes into the liquid, gently mashing some to create a rich, textured consistency while maintaining appealing potato chunks.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Reduce heat and blend in sour cream, melted cheddar cheese, and half the reserved bacon. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the soup to simmer and thicken for several minutes.
6. Presentation: Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls, garnishing with remaining crisp bacon bits, additional shredded cheese, and freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve maximum crispiness without burning, ensuring a perfect textural contrast in the soup.
• Stir flour continuously while cooking to prevent clumping and create a smooth base that thickens the soup evenly without lumps.
• Mash some potatoes selectively to create a creamy base while keeping some chunks for a rustic, hearty soup experience.
• Substitute dairy with lactose-free alternatives or use plant-based cheese and milk for a vegan-friendly version without compromising rich flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg