Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Baked Potato Soup. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple, everyday ingredients into something incredibly cozy and flavorful. Creamy, cheesy, and studded with tender potatoes and crispy bacon bits, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a little extra comfort food in your life.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Baked Potato Soup lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of taste and creating the perfect texture that makes this soup a standout.

• Bacon strips: Provide crispy, smoky flavor that adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy base.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, forming the soup’s flavor foundation.
• Russet potatoes: The star ingredient, their starchy texture gives the soup thickness and that classic baked potato feel.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup, giving it a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Whole milk: Brings creaminess without heaviness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Chicken broth: Enhances the savory quality of the soup and keeps it from feeling too rich.
• Garlic: Adds subtle warmth and savory notes that elevate the overall flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, providing sharp, melty goodness with every bite.
• Scallions: Fresh and slightly tangy, they add a nice pop of color and bite.
• Sour cream: Offers tanginess and richness, rounding out the creamy texture.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.

How to Make Easy Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cutting the bacon into strips—kitchen shears make this super easy—and cook it over medium-high heat until perfectly crispy. This not only gives you those irresistible bacon bits but also renders fat that will infuse the soup with smoky flavor.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies

While the bacon crisps up, chop the onion and dice the Russet potatoes. Peeling the potatoes is optional; keeping the skins on will add a bit more texture and nutrition, but peeling gives a smoother soup.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Remove the bacon from the pot and save it for topping later. Keep about two tablespoons of that flavorful bacon fat in the pot—that’s where the magic begins. Add your chopped onion and sauté it gently for about five minutes until it softens and smells amazing.

Step 4: Add Flour and Milk

Sprinkle the flour into the pot, stirring constantly for a minute to cook out the raw taste. Then whisk in the milk slowly until the mixture is smooth. This is the base that will thicken your soup to creamy perfection.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth, add the minced garlic, and stir in the diced potatoes. Crank the heat so the soup comes near boiling and scrape up any tasty browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Then reduce to a gentle simmer, partially cover, and let everything cook until the potatoes are so tender they practically melt, about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Mash and Mix

Once those potatoes are soft, grab your potato masher and gently mash some of them right in the pot. This step thickens the soup while still leaving some chunks for lovely texture. Now stir in the sour cream, most of the shredded cheddar, and crispy bacon pieces, reserving a bit for the final garnish.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Add salt and pepper to taste, making sure your soup is perfectly seasoned, then ladle it into bowls, topping each serving with scallions, extra cheddar, and crispy bacon.

How to Serve Easy Baked Potato Soup

Garnishes

The toppings are where you can get creative and make your Easy Baked Potato Soup feel extra special. Fresh scallions add brightness and color, while the crispy bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor. Don’t forget the shredded cheddar for that melty, cheesy finish, and a dollop of sour cream for tang.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are excellent companions. A crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw also pairs wonderfully, providing a fresh counterbalance to the rich soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls and pass around a tray of toppings so everyone can customize it. Or, for a fun twist, transfer the soup into mini bread bowls for an all-in-one edible experience—just scoop out some bread before ladling in the soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Easy Baked Potato Soup, but keep in mind that the texture may shift slightly due to the potatoes. It’s best to freeze it in portion-sized containers and consume within 2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up, keeping the creamy texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for the soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which helps thicken the soup. However, Yukon Gold can work too if you prefer a creamier texture, but avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t break down as well.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Baked Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor, and sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener. Just mix it with a bit of cold milk before adding to the pot to avoid lumps, and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

How thick should the soup be?

The soup should be creamy and hearty but still slightly pourable. If it feels too thick after mashing, add a little milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. It’s all about personal preference!

What’s the best way to store garnishes?

Keep your garnishes like scallions, extra cheese, and cooked bacon separate in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents sogginess and allows everyone to customize their bowls when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Potato Soup is truly one of those recipes you’ll want to have on standby for comfort food emergencies. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying. So grab your potatoes, fire up the stove, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a bowl of cozy, cheesy goodness—you won’t regret it!

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