🍲 This isn’t just soup—it’s a full-loaded baked potato in a bowl! Crispy bacon, melted cheddar, green onions, and a velvety smooth potato base make this the ultimate comfort food. Save this recipe—you’ll crave it all winter long!
Why You’ll Obsess Over This Soup
✅ Tastes JUST like a loaded baked potato – But in cozy soup form!
✅ Creamy without heavy cream – Secret trick makes it rich yet balanced.
✅ Meal-prep superstar – Tastes even better the next day.
✅ Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for game day or weeknight dinners.
✅ Ad-optimized structure – Keeps readers scrolling (and ads loading!).
Ingredients
(Serves 6 hungry souls)
For the Soup Base:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled & diced (about 2 lbs)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (1L) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for GF)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Loaded Toppings:
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- Extra bacon crumbles
- Extra sour cream for swirling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon (Flavor starter!)
- In a soup pot, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Cook onion in bacon fat until soft (~5 mins).
- Add garlic, cook 1 min until fragrant.
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3. Build the Soup
- Stir in flour to make a roux (1 min).
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk.
- Add potatoes, smoked paprika, salt & pepper.
- Simmer 15-20 mins until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Creamify the Soup
- Use a potato masher to partially blend (leave some chunks!).
- Stir in sour cream and butter until creamy.
5. Serve Loaded!
Ladle into bowls and top with:
- Shredded cheddar (watch it melt!)
- Bacon crumbles
- Green onions
- Dollop of sour cream
Pro Tips for Soup Perfection
🔥 Bake potatoes first – For deeper flavor, roast potatoes before adding to soup.
🔥 Too thick? Add more broth. Too thin? Simmer longer or add mashed potato flakes.
🔥 Crockpot option – Cook on LOW 6-8 hrs, add dairy last 30 mins.
5 Next-Level Variations
🧀 Broccoli Cheddar – Add 2 cups chopped broccoli with potatoes.
🌶 Spicy Southwest – Mix in canned green chiles + top with jalapeños.
🍗 Buffalo Chicken – Stir in shredded chicken + hot sauce.
🥓 Loaded Cauliflower – Swap half potatoes for cauliflower (low-carb!).
🍯 Horseradish Twist – Add 1 tbsp prepared horseradish to soup.
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FAQs (Boosts Dwell Time for Higher RPM!)
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Add directly from frozen (may need extra cook time).
How long does it keep?
4-5 days in fridge or 3 months frozen (add toppings fresh).
Dairy-free option?
Use coconut milk + vegan cheese + coconut yogurt.
Final Verdict: Comfort in a Bowl!
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor—the ultimate hug in a bowl. Don’t lose this recipe… you’ll want it forever!
Now, grab those potatoes and get cooking! 🥔✨