Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of baked potato soup, perfect for those chilly days when you crave something creamy and hearty. This rich and velvety soup brings together the best of both worlds: the satisfying flavors of baked potatoes and the indulgent creaminess of a warm soup. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a cozy gathering, this baked potato soup recipe is sure to become a favorite. In this article, you’ll learn how to make a bowl of pure comfort, filled with flavor, and topped with all your favorite baked potato fixings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes baked potato soup so irresistible? First, it starts with the classic comfort food—baked potatoes—but transforms it into a creamy, smooth soup with the same satisfying flavors you love. The crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream mixed into the soup create layers of flavor that dance across your taste buds. It’s rich and indulgent, yet it still manages to maintain a lightness that makes you want to go back for a second bowl.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily make it as creamy or chunky as you prefer, adjust the toppings, or even switch out ingredients to suit dietary needs. It’s easy to prepare, yet feels like a special treat. The comforting blend of textures—smooth potato soup topped with crispy bacon and melty cheese—offers a sensory experience that is hard to beat. Whether served on a cold winter evening or at a casual dinner gathering, baked potato soup will be a hit every time.

Recipe Details

Baked potato soup is a fusion of two beloved dishes: the humble baked potato and the creamy, hearty soup. The origins of this dish are believed to be American, where it gained popularity in the 20th century. A bowl of baked potato soup has become a staple on many restaurant menus, often served as a starter or as a comforting main dish in the colder months. Though variations exist, this dish’s foundation remains simple: potatoes, butter, cream, and the beloved toppings that make baked potatoes a meal in themselves.

This soup is made by boiling potatoes until tender and then blending them into a smooth, creamy base. To elevate the flavor, bacon is often used for its smokiness, while cheese adds richness. The creamy texture is achieved through the use of milk or cream, and sour cream is commonly added as a garnish to enhance its tangy profile. The soup’s versatility allows it to be customized with different vegetables, proteins, or spices to make it truly your own.

Culinary techniques involved in this recipe include sautéing onions and garlic to bring out their sweetness, boiling and mashing the potatoes for a smooth texture, and simmering the soup to allow the flavors to meld together. The combination of these steps creates a soup that is both comforting and full of flavor. As a result, baked potato soup is much more than just a simple bowl of soup—it’s a flavorful dish that celebrates the heartiness of potatoes and the richness of creamy soups.

Nutritional Information

Baked potato soup may be indulgent, but it also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins like Vitamin C and B6. A medium-sized potato contains about 110 calories, with 26 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good energy source. When paired with creamy ingredients like milk and sour cream, the soup offers a balance of fats and proteins that make it filling and satisfying.

The addition of bacon and cheese adds a savory, flavorful boost, but also increases the fat and sodium content. To make the soup healthier, you can opt for reduced-fat milk, skip the bacon, or use a dairy-free alternative for the cream. Sour cream, a classic topping, can also be substituted with a lighter option like Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories.

In terms of micronutrients, baked potato soup provides a good dose of potassium, a mineral essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. The cream and cheese contribute calcium, important for bone health, while the bacon provides iron, which is essential for oxygen transport in the blood. Despite its richness, baked potato soup can be part of a balanced meal if consumed in moderation.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this baked potato soup recipe are simple yet full of flavor. The base of the soup consists of russet potatoes, which are ideal for this dish due to their starchy texture that helps create a creamy consistency. Yellow onions and garlic are sautéed for added sweetness, while butter is used to give the soup richness and depth.

To make the soup extra creamy, milk or heavy cream is incorporated into the base. You can adjust the creaminess by adding more or less, depending on your preference. For the toppings, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream are classic choices, but you can also add green onions, chives, or even a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.

When sourcing your ingredients, it’s important to choose fresh potatoes and high-quality dairy products. Organic potatoes can add an extra layer of flavor, while freshly shredded cheese ensures the soup has a smooth, velvety finish. You can also experiment with different varieties of cheese to add unique flavors. Bacon should be cooked until crispy to add a satisfying crunch to the soup, providing contrast to its creamy base.

Equipment Needed

To make baked potato soup, you’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment. A large pot is essential for boiling the potatoes and simmering the soup. A heavy-bottomed pot works best because it distributes heat evenly, ensuring the ingredients cook consistently without burning. A sharp knife is also necessary for chopping the potatoes, onions, and garlic. A cutting board will make this task easier and safer.

For blending the soup, an immersion blender is highly recommended, as it allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot, saving time and reducing mess. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but be sure to cool the soup slightly before transferring it in batches to avoid splattering.

You’ll also need a frying pan for crisping up the bacon and a spatula to scrape any bits from the pan into the soup for added flavor. These basic tools will make the process smooth and efficient, allowing you to focus on creating the perfect bowl of baked potato soup.

Pro Tips for Success

Making the perfect baked potato soup requires a few key tips to ensure a smooth, creamy, and flavorful result. First, when boiling the potatoes, be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy, while undercooked ones will leave chunks in the soup. Once the potatoes are tender, you can either mash them for a rustic texture or use an immersion blender to create a silky-smooth base.

Another important tip is to avoid overcooking the bacon. Bacon should be crispy, not burnt, so cook it over medium heat and remove it from the pan once it reaches the perfect level of crispiness. The rendered bacon fat can be added to the soup for extra flavor, but be careful not to make the soup too greasy.

For a creamier texture, consider adding a little more cream or milk as the soup simmers. If you prefer a thicker soup, use less liquid or blend more of the potatoes into the soup. Adjust the seasoning throughout the process, tasting as you go. Potatoes can be quite bland, so be sure to season generously with salt and pepper, and feel free to experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

If you want a lighter version of this soup, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It provides the same tangy flavor but with added protein and fewer calories. You can also use low-fat or almond milk instead of cream to reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden. Remove from the pan, set aside, and crumble when cooled. Save some bacon drippings for the soup base if desired.

2. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, add a little of the bacon drippings (or butter). Sauté the chopped onions and garlic over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

3. Prepare the potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes to the pot, along with vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunky soup, only blend part of it, leaving some potato pieces intact for texture.

5. Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the cream, milk, or any milk alternative, and continue to cook the soup for 5 more minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder.

6. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Garnish with chives or green onions for a fresh finish.

Recipe Variations

While the classic baked potato soup is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish. For a vegan version, substitute the cream and sour cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and omit the bacon. You can add roasted vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.

To make it a heartier meal, consider adding diced chicken or sausage. Grilled chicken breast or spicy sausage will pair well with the creamy soup base. If you’re looking for a bit more flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to give the soup a gentle kick.

For a different texture, you can blend the soup less and leave larger chunks of potatoes. This gives it a more rustic feel and highlights the potatoes as the star ingredient. The versatility of baked potato soup allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures to suit your preferences.

Storage Instructions

Baked potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add a bit of broth or milk to thin the soup back out as it may thicken during storage.

If you’ve added dairy or sour cream, keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture of the cream, so it’s best to add it just before serving when reheating. For best results, reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Baked potato soup is a perfect standalone dish, but it pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the soup. You can also serve it with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.

For a heartier meal, pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a side of roasted vegetables. If you’re serving the soup as a starter, it complements a main course like roasted chicken, steak, or a vegetable casserole perfectly.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of potatoes?
Russet potatoes work best for baked potato soup due to their high starch content, which creates a creamy texture. However, you can substitute them with Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, baked potato soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

3. Can I freeze baked potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the cream until reheating.

4. How do I make it vegan?
To make this soup vegan, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy products and skip the bacon. You can add vegan cheese and vegan sour cream for topping.

5. Can I use other toppings?
Absolutely! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh twist.

6. What can I use instead of bacon?
You can substitute bacon with smoked tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based option.

7. How can I make the soup thicker?
You can thicken the soup by blending more of the potatoes or adding a slurry of cornstarch and water.

8. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients and cooking on low for 4-6 hours.

9. What are some other flavor variations?
Try adding cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile, or add a touch of Dijon mustard for some tang.

10. How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?
Make sure to taste the soup before adding extra salt, as the bacon, cheese, and broth can contribute significant sodium.

Conclusion

Baked potato soup is a comforting, satisfying dish that combines all the flavors you love about baked potatoes with the richness of a creamy soup. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of options for customization, this soup is the perfect choice for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and make a big pot of this delicious soup—you won’t regret it!