Creamy Baked Potato Soup

The Creamy Baked Potato Soup is everything you want in a comfort meal, thick, velvety, and indulgently flavorful. With tender chunks of potato in every bite, the soup gets its richness from a base of milk, cream, and melted cheddar, all perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, and a hint of smoky paprika.

Topped with crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and a dollop of sour cream, each bowl feels like a warm hug. This dish is perfect for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want a no-fuss, soul-soothing meal that makes everyone come back for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• Optional: extra shredded cheese, sour cream, or chives for topping

Directions:

1. In a large pot, boil diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).

3. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly.

4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth and thickened.

5. Pour in milk and cream, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer, not a boil.

6. Add cooked potatoes and gently mash some of them with a potato masher to create a thicker texture while keeping some chunks.

7. Season with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika.

8. Stir in shredded cheese until melted, followed by sour cream.

9. Simmer for 5 more minutes to heat through and meld flavors.

10. Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese or sour cream if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Creamy Baked Potato Soup: A Bowl of Comfort on Any Day

Few dishes rival the comforting warmth and familiar flavor of a bowl of creamy baked potato soup. This classic recipe captures all the cozy, satisfying qualities of a loaded baked potato and transforms them into a soul-soothing, spoonable experience. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or you’re simply craving a creamy, savory meal that’s both simple and satisfying, this soup delivers every time.

Creamy baked potato soup has long been a staple in American kitchens. While it evokes strong nostalgic feelings for many, reminiscent of grandma’s house or rainy afternoons, it also appeals to modern foodies seeking flavor-packed meals with customizable options. At its core, it’s humble: potatoes, milk, broth, butter. But when you build on those basics with layers of cheddar, garlic, sour cream, and smoky bacon, it becomes something unforgettable.

This soup brings together rustic, hearty comfort with a touch of elegance. And unlike complicated entrées or expensive restaurant dishes, it’s easily made with pantry staples and is accessible to home cooks of all levels.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup

There are so many reasons this soup earns a regular spot in weeknight dinner rotations and holiday menus alike:

• Familiar yet indulgent: The combination of tender potatoes, velvety broth, and rich toppings creates a deliciously decadent texture while still feeling like the food you grew up with.

• Simple ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now, no fancy tools or hard-to-find spices necessary.

• Make-ahead friendly: Potato soup holds up beautifully in the fridge and even freezes well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

• Customizable: Keep it vegetarian or load it up with bacon, top it with green onions or crispy croutons, stir in some greens or blend it silky smooth, the choice is yours.

• Crowd-pleasing: It’s kid-friendly, family-approved, and perfect for gatherings, especially when served with crusty bread or a green salad.

The History and Heart Behind Baked Potato Soup

Potatoes have been a culinary staple since they were introduced from the Andes in the 16th century. Baked potatoes in particular gained popularity thanks to their versatility and comfort factor. Turning them into soup was a natural evolution, especially during colder months when warm, hearty meals were essential.

Today, creamy baked potato soup is celebrated not just for its flavor but for its ability to bring people together. It’s a go-to recipe for potlucks, game-day menus, and cozy dinners at home. In the Southern U.S., this soup is often served topped with sharp cheddar and thick-cut bacon, while Northerners might lean into herbs and dairy-based richness.

At its core, though, no matter where you’re from, this soup represents love in a bowl.

Key Ingredients and Flavor Tips

While each recipe has its own twist, there are a few essential elements that make creamy baked potato soup truly sing:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for this soup. Their high starch content gives the soup that creamy texture while still holding some structure. For a chunkier version, dice them larger and mash only part of the batch.

• Butter and Flour (Roux): This is the foundation of a good creamy base. Don’t skip this step! It creates the silky texture that elevates the entire dish.

• Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream deliver unbeatable richness, though you can swap with half-and-half or even evaporated milk in a pinch.

• Cheddar Cheese: A good sharp cheddar adds tang and depth. Always grate your cheese fresh, it melts better and doesn’t have anti-caking agents that can ruin the texture.

• Sour Cream: This adds a slight tang and smooth finish. It also makes the soup feel a little “loaded.”

• Bacon and Green Onions: The classic toppings! Crisp bacon crumbles add crunch and smokiness, while green onions offer freshness and a pop of color.

Variations to Try

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this classic! It’s a blank canvas for countless creative variations.

Vegetarian Version
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add roasted mushrooms or caramelized leeks for a savory punch.

Broccoli & Cheddar Potato Soup
Toss in chopped broccoli florets during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir in extra cheddar for a double-cheese experience.

Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne or stir in some chopped jalapeños or chipotle in adobo for a smoky heat.

Loaded Potato Soup Bar
Serve the soup with a variety of toppings buffet-style: shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, chopped parsley, and hot sauce. This is a fun, interactive way to serve a crowd.

Low-Carb Twist
Swap half of the potatoes with cauliflower. You’ll still get that creamy, satisfying consistency with fewer carbs and added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy baked potato soup pairs beautifully with simple sides or hearty accompaniments. Here are a few ways to round out your meal:

• Buttery garlic bread or cheddar biscuits for dunking.

• Mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

• Roasted veggies for a well-rounded dinner.

• Crusty artisan rolls and a glass of white wine for a comforting dinner-for-two.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Potato soup stores well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely before sealing in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep the texture smooth.

For freezing, let the soup cool and then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy baked potato soup is more than just a recipe, it’s a moment of comfort, a reminder of simpler times, and a satisfying meal that appeals to nearly every palate. With its velvety base, savory toppings, and endless room for customization, it earns its place at any table, any season.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or simply warming up on a rainy day, this soup brings joy by the spoonful. It’s affordable, adaptable, and downright delicious. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, it’s the kind of soup that becomes a family tradition.

So grab your favorite pot, a handful of pantry staples, and get ready to create something nourishing, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Happy cooking!