Why We Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Nothing is better on a cold night than a warm bowl of rich, satisfying soup. And, in my opinion, the best soups are filling – but still leave you wanting more with every spoonful. Creamy, cheesy Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a classic comfort recipe, and a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser. It features all of the savory, bold flavors you love in a traditional loaded baked potato side dish, but enjoyed as a luscious soup that’s hearty enough to be a main course. Not only is this family-friendly soup delicious, it’s wonderfully easy to make on the stovetop or in the crock pot! My favorite loaded baked potato toppings include shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh chopped green onions. Together these simple ingredients create the ultimate cheesy, salty, starchy, zesty comfort food. Isn’t your mouth watering just thinking about piping-hot loaded baked potatoes fresh from the oven? This classic potato soup recipe has all of these yummy flavors you know and love, without being complicated to make. It’s ready to enjoy in less than an hour when made on the stovetop, or is great for making as a “set it and forget it” slow cooker dish. Both recipes create the creamiest, cheesiest Loaded Baked Potato Soup ever – and there’s no need to peel or bake the potatoes beforehand!
What Ingredients You Need
The best Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients, many of which are basic pantry staples. I tend to keep most of these items in stock in my kitchen so I can make this soup as a last-minute dinner option! Here is everything needed to make Easy Loaded Potato Soup in the crock pot or on the stovetop:
Bacon – I use traditional pork bacon, but feel free to use turkey bacon if you prefer Onion – white or yellow, finely diced Garlic – fresh cloves, minced Russet potatoes – scrubbed and cubed Chicken broth – or chicken bouillon and water Half & half – essential for the richest potato soup Cornstarch – to thicken the soup Shredded cheese – sharp cheddar is the classic choice Scallions – to add a pop of fresh flavor Sour cream – for the tangiest, most perfectly creamy soup Salt and pepper – a dash of both to taste
While I prefer russet potatoes in this recipe, you can use Yukon Golds or even red potatoes for a unique twist. Pro Tip: Want to add a kick to your potato soup? Try using half cheddar and half spicy pepper jack cheese!
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup
The secret to the Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup is making a simple gluten-free roux with cornstarch for a thick, creamy base. Well, that and include lots of crispy bacon and shredded cheese! Here’s how to make this baked potato soup recipe on the stovetop in less than an hour: First, cook chopped bacon in a large sauce pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until brown and crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside to use later. Remove the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon left in the pot. To the hot grease add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for a couple of minutes to soften. Next, add the chopped potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Cover and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender. Meanwhile, whisk the half & half with the cornstarch until all clumps have dissolved. This will create a thick, creamy soup once combined with the hot broth. Once the potatoes are soft and fork-tender, use a potato masher to mash about half of the potatoes, leaving plenty of large pieces. Then, stir in the half & half mixture, shredded cheese, and some of the scallions. Simmer for just a few minutes to thicken the soup base. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with more shredded cheddar cheese, the crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and the remaining scallions on top. Your family is going to ask for this creamy, dreamy potato soup all season long!
How to Make Baked Potato Soup in the Slow Cooker
Slow cooker Potato Soup is a super easy way to prep the soup in the morning and have delicious soup waiting for you in the evening. First, set a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon. Stir and brown for 5 minutes, or until brown and crispy. Scoop out the bacon and reserve it for later use. Remove the bacon grease, leaving just 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for 2-4 minutes to soften. Meanwhile, wash the potatoes and chop them into 3/4-inch cubes, leaving the skins on. Mix the half & half with the cornstarch, stirring until all clumps have dissolved. Pour the onions and garlic into a large 6+ quart slow cooker. Pour the potatoes into the crock. Then add the broth and half & half mixture. Cover and slow cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 7-9 hours. Once the potatoes are fork tender, use a potato masher to mash about half of the potatoes, leaving plenty of large pieces. Then stir in 1 cup shredded cheese and 1/3 cup scallions or chives. Serve warm with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and more scallions on top!
Baked Potato Soup Tips & Tricks
For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until no chunks remain! I like a few potato chunks in my soup but it would be delicious either way! If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour to thicken the soup instead! Add about 2 tablespoons of flour with the bacon grease and cook along with the onions and garlic before adding the broth and potatoes. For the best potato soup, season with salt to taste. If you use bacon in this recipe, you will need less salt. But if you don’t use bacon, be sure to add a little extra salt.
Loaded Potato Soup Serving Suggestions
Loaded baked potato soup is a satisfying meal on its own, especially with all of the delicious toppings! But, it can be nice to serve it with some side dishes for a little variety. When feeding a crowd, side dishes can definitely help round out the meal! Here are some of my favorite things to pair with potato soup:
Cheddar Bay Biscuits Roasted Root Vegetable Salad Homemade Breadsticks Wedge Salad Garlic Bread Kale Caesar Salad
Looking for More Satisfying Soup Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew Beer Cheese Soup Healthy Crockpot Potato Soup with Chicken Buffalo Cauliflower Soup Recipe
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