The Creamiest Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Whipping up a creamy baked potato soup can turn an ordinary evening into a cozy culinary adventure.

Comfort arrives with each spoonful of this hearty dish that warms you from the inside out.

Russet potatoes, crispy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese create a delightful symphony of flavors.

Minimal ingredients blend together effortlessly, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.

Kitchen magic happens when simple components merge into something extraordinary.

Rich and velvety, this soup promises satisfaction without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why Easy Baked Potato Soup Is a Quick Comfort Food

• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, hearty soup that wraps you in pure deliciousness, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Comes together in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal dinner solution for busy families who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Versatile recipe that lets everyone add their favorite toppings, from extra cheese to crispy bacon, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they love.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like potatoes and basic pantry staples, delivering restaurant-quality taste without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the base and hearty texture of the soup.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and rich soup consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that adds depth and enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky and salty flavor profile to the soup.
• Cheese: Adds richness and a creamy, tangy element to the soup.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a smooth, tangy finish and helps create a creamy texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational savory and aromatic base for the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
• Scallions: Fresh green onions that add a mild, crisp garnish to the finished soup.

How to Make Easy Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Bits

Grab a hefty pot and cook bacon until golden and crunchy.

Once done, transfer bacon to a plate, leaving behind delicious drippings for extra flavor.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Onions

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pot.

Saute until they become translucent and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Potato Preparation

Add diced potatoes to the pot and let them dance around for a few minutes, absorbing the savory bacon essence.

Step 4: Create Creamy Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the potatoes, stirring to coat evenly.

• Milk
• Chicken broth

Whisk gently to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Allow the soup to simmer, stirring occasionally.

Wait until potatoes become tender and soft, releasing their starchy goodness.

Step 6: Cheese and Cream Magic

• Grated cheese
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix until the soup transforms into a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped scallions
• Extra cheese

Enjoy your comforting, hearty potato soup!

Pro Tips for Easy Baked Potato Soup

• Render bacon in the pot before sautéing onions to infuse the entire soup with rich, smoky undertones.
• Whisk flour thoroughly with milk to create a smooth roux, ensuring a silky texture without clumps.
• Cut potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent soup consistency.
• Replace whole milk with low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives like almond milk for a lighter version of the soup.
• Let soup simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and concentrate flavors, creating a more robust and creamy result.

Variations on Easy Baked Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version. Add extra roasted mushrooms for depth and umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Keep the creamy base and toppings for a lighter alternative.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and nutritional yeast in place of cheese. Choose plant-based bacon bits or crispy tempeh for crunch.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Prepare the entire soup in an Instant Pot, reducing cooking time by half. Use the sauté function for initial steps and pressure cook for faster potato softening.

Serving Ideas for Easy Baked Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Pairing: Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every delicious spoonful and add extra texture.
• Flavor Boost Station: Set up a toppings bar with chopped chives, extra crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream so guests can customize their soup experience.
• Winter Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and add a fresh, bright element to the meal.
• Game Day Sidekick: Ladle into small mugs or bread bowls for a perfect appetizer during sports watching or casual gatherings with friends.

How to Store Easy Baked Potato Soup

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing garnishes like bacon.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk if soup seems too thick.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add extra broth or milk to restore original creamy consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly hot.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute in this soup?

You can replace milk with half-and-half for richer texture, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option, and swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for different flavor.

• How do I make this soup healthier?

Use turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining great taste.

• Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently and add fresh toppings before serving.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.

Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty and comforting Baked Potato Soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its creamy blend of russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cheese. Serve this soul-satisfying bowl alongside crusty bread, and you’ll find pure comfort in every delightful spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large Russet potatoes, diced
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 6 strips bacon

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup sour cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• Chopped scallions
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render bacon in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer crispy pieces to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. In the residual bacon fat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat with aromatics and releasing their starchy essence, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
4. Dust potatoes with flour, creating a light coating that will help thicken the soup’s consistency.
5. Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and ensure smooth integration.
6. Simmer the mixture at low heat for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring, until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
7. Incorporate shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, and season with salt and pepper, stirring until the soup reaches a luxurious, velvety texture.
8. Ladle into serving bowls and embellish with reserved crispy bacon crumbles, thinly sliced scallions, and an optional sprinkle of additional cheese.

Notes

• Bacon selection matters greatly; opt for thick-cut varieties with balanced fat content for maximum flavor infusion.
• Potato choice impacts soup texture; use starchy Russet potatoes for creamy, smooth consistency.
• Prevent milk from curdling by maintaining low-medium heat and stirring consistently during simmering process.
• Customize dietary needs by substituting dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and using turkey bacon for lighter protein option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg