This Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, with a creamy, thick broth loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tender russet potatoes. It’s easy to make, hearty, and sure to warm you up on a cold day. The rich flavors of this soup make it a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs)

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup flour

• 3 ½ cups chicken broth

• 2 cups half and half

• ¾ cup sour cream

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/8 cup chives, finely diced

Directions

1. Cut the bacon into 1-inch squares and cook in a large pot over low heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.

2. Peel and dice the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Add them to a stockpot and cover with 1 inch of water. Add salt and boil for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and mash the potatoes, then set aside.

3. In the same pot with the bacon drippings, cook the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and butter, cooking for 1 more minute.

4. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

5. Slowly add the chicken broth and half and half, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

6. Stir in the mashed potatoes, sour cream, and pepper.

7. Remove from heat and, if desired, blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender in batches for a smoother, creamier texture.

8. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

9. Stir in the bacon and chives. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 482 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Protein: 16 g

• Fat: 34 g

  • Saturated Fat: 18 g

• Cholesterol: 89 mg

• Sodium: 968 mg

• Potassium: 729 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Vitamin A: 756 IU

• Vitamin C: 15 mg

• Calcium: 317 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Why Baked Potato Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something about potato-based soups that bring an undeniable sense of warmth and comfort. The texture of potatoes in soup is both hearty and filling, making it an excellent option for those looking for a satisfying meal. Baked Potato Soup, in particular, captures all the richness of baked potatoes and transforms it into a creamy, velvety bowl of goodness. The addition of bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream brings familiar, beloved flavors that are often associated with a classic baked potato, making it a familiar yet elevated dish.

The appeal of Baked Potato Soup is not just in its ingredients, but in how those ingredients work together to create a comforting experience. The crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch, while the cheddar cheese melts into the broth, enriching the soup with its creamy, tangy flavor. Sour cream adds a cooling element to balance out the richness, and the russet potatoes give the soup its hearty, satisfying texture. These familiar ingredients, when combined, create a soup that feels indulgent yet is simple enough to make at home.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Soup Stand Out

The magic of this Baked Potato Soup lies in the way everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each element of the recipe adds its own unique touch to the final dish.

Russet potatoes, known for their high starch content, are the perfect base for this soup. Their fluffy texture when cooked makes them ideal for creating a smooth, creamy broth that is both hearty and satisfying. The mashed potatoes add body to the soup, making it thick and rich without requiring any heavy cream or thickeners.

The bacon is another standout ingredient. It provides an essential element of crunch and smokiness, which contrasts beautifully with the smooth and creamy texture of the soup. Cooking the bacon in the pot first allows you to use the rendered bacon fat, which infuses the soup with even more flavor. The crisp bits of bacon that are stirred into the soup at the end provide bursts of savory goodness in every bite.

Cheddar cheese is a classic addition to Baked Potato Soup, offering both flavor and creaminess. As the cheese melts into the soup, it helps to thicken the broth while giving it a tangy, rich taste that complements the potatoes perfectly. Using sharp cheddar cheese ensures that the cheese flavor stands out in the soup without being too overpowering.

Sour cream is another key ingredient in this recipe, adding a subtle tang and smoothness to the soup. It helps balance out the richness of the cheese and bacon, giving the soup a refreshing contrast that makes each spoonful feel light yet indulgent.

The Cooking Process: From Potatoes to Perfection

Making Baked Potato Soup involves a few simple steps that come together quickly to create a dish that’s full of flavor. First, the russet potatoes are boiled until tender, then mashed to create a smooth, creamy texture. The addition of butter, garlic, and onions in the bacon drippings creates a flavorful base for the soup, while the flour helps thicken the broth.

Once the chicken broth and half and half are added, the soup begins to take shape. The mashed potatoes are incorporated into the mixture, giving the soup its signature creamy texture. If you prefer a smoother, more velvety consistency, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. This step is optional, depending on your texture preference. Some people enjoy a chunkier soup with pieces of potato throughout, while others prefer a completely smooth and creamy texture.

The finishing touches—cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives—are added at the end. The cheese melts into the soup, creating a creamy and rich texture, while the sour cream gives the soup a tangy creaminess. The crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth soup, and the chives bring a pop of color and a slight oniony bite that enhances the overall flavor.

A Versatile Soup for Any Occasion

Baked Potato Soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. It makes a great appetizer or side dish for a larger meal, but it can easily stand on its own as a main course. The soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or a warm, crusty loaf of bread, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

This soup is also perfect for meal prepping, as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days. The flavors actually deepen and improve as it sits, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time for busy weeks. You can also freeze the soup for later use, reheating it when you need a quick and comforting meal.

For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, this soup can easily be modified. You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent. For a lighter version, you could substitute the half and half with a lower-fat dairy or a non-dairy milk such as almond milk, though this may affect the creaminess and flavor slightly. You could also experiment with different types of cheese or add extra vegetables like leeks or celery for additional flavor and texture.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Benefits

While Baked Potato Soup is undeniably indulgent and rich, it also contains several key ingredients that provide nutritional benefits. Potatoes, for example, are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They are also naturally low in fat and can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Bacon, while delicious, is higher in saturated fat and sodium, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation. However, it does provide a source of protein and adds an incredible depth of flavor to the soup. The addition of cheese, sour cream, and half and half brings some richness and creaminess to the soup, but these ingredients are also high in fat, so it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your fat intake.

This soup can be made even healthier by adjusting the amount of bacon or cheese used, or by using a lighter version of sour cream. Additionally, pairing the soup with a salad or vegetables can help balance out the meal and add more fiber and nutrients.

Conclusion

Baked Potato Soup is a timeless comfort food that brings together familiar, hearty ingredients into one delicious and satisfying bowl. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this soup is guaranteed to please everyone. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and the perfect balance of bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream make it a dish that’s hard to resist.

This recipe is as versatile as it is comforting, offering you the flexibility to adapt it to your preferences while still delivering the flavors you love. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and filling or for any occasion when you need a crowd-pleasing dish. So next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying, give this Baked Potato Soup a try—you won’t be disappointed!