Introduction

This comforting loaded baked potato soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with all your favorite toppings. Perfect for cozy nights, it comes together quickly and satisfies with every warm, hearty spoonful.

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup That's Perfect for Cozy Nights Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for vegetarian option, use vegetable broth)
1 medium onion (yellow onion or leeks are good alternatives)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter options)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled, omit for vegetarian)
2 scallions green onions (chopped for garnish)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the diced russet potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired texture—smooth or slightly chunky. Be careful if blending in batches to avoid spills.
Step 4: Stir in heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts completely. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Step 5: Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, and chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier, buttery texture.
Half-and-half or milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter soup, though it will be less rich.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a subtle heat.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much when cold, add a splash of broth or milk while reheating to loosen the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

To make this soup vegan, use vegetable broth, omit bacon, replace heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance and reheated gently before serving. The flavors often deepen the next day, making it even more delicious.

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup That’s Perfect for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

This comforting loaded baked potato soup combines tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, and creamy broth to create a perfect bowl for cozy nights. Easy to prepare and customizable with vegetarian options, this hearty soup is rich, flavorful, and topped with classic garnishes like bacon and scallions.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for vegetarian option, use vegetable broth)
1 medium onion (yellow onion or leeks are good alternatives)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter options)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled, omit for vegetarian)
2 scallions green onions (chopped for garnish)

Seasonings and Fats

To taste salt
To taste pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Preparation Steps: Prepare all ingredients by dicing the potatoes and onion, mincing the garlic, shredding the cheddar cheese, cooking and crumbling the bacon (if using), and chopping scallions for garnish.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Cook Potatoes in Broth with Seasonings: Stir in diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and fully cooked through.
Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until you reach your desired texture, whether smooth or slightly chunky. If blending in batches using another blender, be cautious of hot liquid spills.
Add Cream, Cheese, and Sour Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Cook on low heat, stirring gently and constantly, for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the soup is creamy and well combined. Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste.
Serve with Garnishes: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon (if using), extra shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions for freshness and added flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon garnish.
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup.
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a healthier twist.
To avoid lumps, blend carefully and ensure potatoes are fully cooked before blending.
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Keywords: baked potato soup, loaded potato soup, comfort food, creamy soup, cozy dinner, stovetop soup, cheddar cheese soup, easy soup recipe