If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in a warm, creamy hug, look no further than Baked Potato Soup. This hearty, soul-warming recipe transforms simple baked potatoes into a luscious bowl of comfort, perfect for cozy meals any day of the week. The combination of tender potatoes, savory broth, and rich cream creates a velvety texture you’ll want to savor bite after bite, making it an instant classic in any kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Baked Potato Soup offers that nostalgic, cozy feeling reminiscent of home-cooked meals on chilly evenings.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The smooth, velvety soup balances creamy dairy and fluffy potatoes perfectly.
- Simple Yet Flavorful: Using basic ingredients that pack deep, satisfying flavor without complicated steps.
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite toppings or tweak the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It works just as well for quick weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests with a cozy starter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Potato Soup recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that together create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component adds something essential—from the earthiness of the potatoes to the creaminess of the dairy and the savoriness of herbs and broth.
- Baked potatoes: The heart of the soup, offering natural sweetness and a buttery texture after baking.
- Onions: Adding subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed until soft and translucent.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic warmth that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid base that infuses the soup with savory notes.
- Milk or cream: Brings that luscious, creamy mouthfeel that makes every spoonful irresistible.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar or your favorite blend introduces a tangy, melty richness.
- Bacon bits (optional): Adds a smoky, crispy component to contrast the soft soup texture.
- Chives or green onions: For fresh, slightly peppery garnish that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.
Variations for Baked Potato Soup
One of the best things about Baked Potato Soup is its flexibility. You can easily adjust ingredients to cater to different dietary preferences or to experiment with flavors without losing that cozy essence.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon to keep it plant-friendly while maintaining full flavor.
- Loaded Potato Style: Mix in sour cream, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon for a loaded potato twist in every bite.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to bring a gentle heat to the creamy base.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, allergy-friendly option.
- Herb Boost: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary while cooking for an aromatic dimension.
How to Make Baked Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Baked Potatoes
Begin by baking your potatoes until the skins are crispy and the insides are perfectly tender. This step ensures the potato flavor is rich and caramelized, providing a solid foundation for the soup’s creamy texture.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large pot, sauté diced onions in a little butter or oil until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. This forms the aromatic base that enhances the soup’s depth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Add the baked potato flesh to the pot along with the broth, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld—this will soften the potatoes further and infuse everything with savory richness.
Step 4: Blend to Desired Creaminess
Use an immersion blender or transfer batches to a stand blender to puree some or all of the soup. This step helps achieve a creamy texture while leaving small chunks for satisfying bite.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and whisk in cream and shredded cheese until melted and smooth, enriching the soup with luxurious texture and flavor.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite garnishes such as bacon bits, chopped chives, or extra cheese.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Potato Soup
- Use Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content gives the soup a perfect creamy consistency.
- Don’t Overblend: Leaving some potato chunks adds delightful texture and interest.
- Low and Slow Simmer: Helps develop the soup’s flavors without scorching the dairy.
- Warm Your Cream: Adding cold cream directly can cause curdling, so temper it slightly before mixing in.
- Choose Sharp Cheese: Sharp cheddar boosts flavor, but feel free to experiment with gouda or Monterey Jack for variety.
- Cook Bacon Separately: Keep it crispy by cooking bacon bits apart and sprinkling on top just before serving.
How to Serve Baked Potato Soup
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate Baked Potato Soup from simple to spectacular. Toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, fresh chopped chives, diced green onions, or a drizzle of sour cream add color, texture, and bursts of flavor that make every bowl special.
Side Dishes
Complement your warm bowl with crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a fresh garden salad to balance the soup’s richness. For something heartier, serve it alongside grilled cheese or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in hollowed-out small baked potatoes or bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation. For gatherings, a soup bar with various toppings allows guests to customize their own bowls, turning a simple dish into an event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer leftover Baked Potato Soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any separated ingredients.
Freezing
Baked Potato Soup freezes well if you omit the cream and cheese initially. Freeze the base soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then add dairy when reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, to avoid scorching. Add extra broth or cream as needed to return the soup to its original creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use raw potatoes instead of baked for Baked Potato Soup?
Yes, you can use raw potatoes by dicing and cooking them directly in the broth until tender, though baked potatoes add a deeper, roasted flavor that enhances the soup.
Is Baked Potato Soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth and skip bacon or use a plant-based alternative to keep it fully vegetarian.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this soup?
Milk, half-and-half, or dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream can be used for a lighter or dairy-free option while maintaining creaminess.
How thick should Baked Potato Soup be?
It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still spoonable—smooth and creamy without being overly runny or stiff.
Can I make Baked Potato Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients except cream in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add dairy near the end for best results.
Final Thoughts
Baked Potato Soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re fighting off the chill of a cold day or just want something satisfying and simple, this recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try making your own batch and discover why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in any home.