The scent of butter melting in a warm pot, potatoes bubbling gently on the stove some aromas just wrap around your heart like an old quilt. Easy baked potato soup brings that same comfort, turning humble ingredients into creamy gold that warms every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the tableand keeps them there.
This homemade soup recipe transforms baked potatoes, rich cream, and simple pantry staples into an indulgent, satisfying meal. It’s like enjoying your favorite loaded baked potato in spoonable form. Ready in under an hour, it’s comfort food done effortlessly.
I first watched my mother make this, turning cold baked potatoes from the fridge into something magical with just cream and a wooden spoon. Those quiet kitchen afternoons taught me that the best recipes don’t come from complexitythey come from love. Over time, I refined this easy baked potato soup with just the right balance. Wait until you discover the secret ingredient twist that brings it all together.
Why This Easy Baked Potato Soup Will Become Your Family Favorite
This soup delivers all the cozy comfort of a loaded baked potatobut without turning on the oven. The creamy base cradles soft potato chunks, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar in every spoonful. It’s like your favorite winter blanket, but edible.
Part of its magic lies in the everyday ingredients: smoky bacon fat becomes the flavor foundation; a quick roux of flour adds luxurious body. It’s the loaded baked potato soup you’ll want to make on repeatsimple, hearty, and incredibly comforting.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
You probably already have most of what you need. Russet potatoes are idealtheir high starch content helps thicken the soup naturally. Bacon adds richness and depth, while whole milk gives it a lush, creamy consistency.
- Heavy-bottom soup pot: Prevents scorching and ensures even cooking
- Potato masher: Helps create that ideal creamy-chunky texture
- Kitchen shears: Makes cutting bacon quicker and cleaner
- Whisk: Blends milk and roux smoothly without lumps

How This Baked Potato Soup Recipe Comes Together
Start with rendering bacon until crispythose golden bits and flavorful drippings are gold. Sauté onions in the same pot until softened, then whisk in flour to make a roux. This step is quick but crucial: it banishes lumps and sets the stage for that creamy finish.
Let the soup simmer with your potatoes until they begin to fall apart. Light mashing helps strike the right balance: thick, but still rustic. You’ll be amazed how a few pantry basics evolve into something so lavish.
| Step | Time | Key Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Bacon | 10 minutes | Golden brown, sizzling slows |
| Sauté Onions | 5 minutes | Softened, translucent, fragrant |
| Cook Flour | 1 minute | No raw flour aroma |
| Simmer Soup | 20 minutes | Potatoes tender, begin to break down |
Troubleshooting Common Soup Challenges
If your soup thickens too much, just stir in warm chicken broth little by little until it reaches your ideal texture. This is common as starchy potatoes continue to break down after cooking, so adjustments are easy.
Pro Tip: Always reheat gently over low heat and stir often to avoid curdling. Dairy and high heat aren’t fast friends, and potatoes may settle at the bottom and stick.
- Lumpy texture: Whisk milk in gradually and thoroughly after adding flour
- Too thin: Simmer uncovered a bit longer or mash more potatoes
- Bland flavor: Build flavor gradually with salt, pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder
Customizing Your Easy Baked Potato Soup
Make this recipe your own! Keep skins on for a rustic finish and added fiber, or mix in sweet potatoes for a touch of autumn sweetness. Stir in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick. Personalizing the toppings is part of the fun.
Craving a lighter option? Swap whole milk with half-and-half or even a blend of broth and light cream. Instead of mixing in sour cream during cooking, set it aside so each person can add their preferred amount.
| Original Ingredient | Easy Swap | Flavor Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | Half-and-Half | Slightly lighter, less creamy |
| Cheddar Cheese | Monterey Jack | Milder flavor, smoother melt |
| Bacon | Turkey Bacon | Leaner, less smoky depth |
| Chicken Broth | Vegetable Broth | Vegetarian-friendly, slightly earthier |
Serving Suggestions and Storage Wisdom
Pair this soup with a crusty baguette, dinner rolls, or a crisp green salad to balance the indulgent creaminess. Set up a topping bar with extra shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, or reserved bacon for everyone to customize their own bowl.
This potato soup easy recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. And the flavor? Even better the next day. To freeze, portion cooled soup into airtight containers, leaving room for expansion, and store for up to three months.
Storage Note: Ensure soup cools completely before storing. Reheat portions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring regularly. If soup thickens in storage, thin it gently with broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Expert Says: The Science Behind EASY BAKED POTATO SOUP
Potatoes naturally release starch when cooked, acting as a built-in thickener. This easy baked potato soup taps into that, creating rich texture without the need for heavy cream. It’s a clever, wholesome technique that enhances both mouthfeel and nutrition.
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The Journey to the Best Easy Baked Potato Soup
Refining this easy baked potato soup took dedicationsome days the balance of cream to broth was off, other times it lacked depth. But every version brought me closer to the hearty, velvety soup my family now requests every winter. It’s proof that comfort food is more than flavorit’s memory built on ingredient, trial, and care.
FAQs ( Easy Baked Potato Soup )
How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken this recipe, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot to release their starch. Alternatively, stir in a mixture of flour or cornstarch with cold water and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Avoid adding too much liquid at the start for better control.
Can I use frozen or leftover potatoes?
Yes, frozen or leftover cooked potatoes work well. Just thaw frozen potatoes before adding, ensuring you adjust cooking times slightly. Leftovers may make the soup a bit softer, so add them carefully to maintain texture.
What are good toppings for this dish?
Classic toppings include shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and sour cream. These additions add texture and flavor without overpowering the homemade soup recipe’s creamy base. Feel free to customize with your favorites.
Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?
This meal can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the creamy texture, stirring occasionally. Adding extra milk or broth while reheating can help restore perfect consistency.
Is this soup freezable for later?
You can freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that soups with dairy may separate slightly; whisk well during reheating to bring back a creamy texture.

The Heart of Easy Baked Potato Soup
This easy baked potato soup has everything you love in comfort foodcreamy texture, rich potato flavor, hearty bits of bacon, and the warmth that lingers long after the bowl is empty. Ready in just over half an hour, it tastes like it simmered all day long.
Add in a spoon of cream cheese for extra velvety tang, or try making a potato soup crock pot version by transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker for the final hour. This soup keeps incredibly well. In fact, the flavors intensify overnight, making leftovers utterly crave-worthy.
If you’re planning ahead, freeze individual portions in mason jarsjust leave space at the top for expansion. Then, on any night when you want something cozy and effortless, reheat one and enjoy. I hope this loaded baked potato soup earns a permanent place in your comfort food rotation. And if your family has a soup that brings everyone together, please share it! I’d love to see your creations and hear your cozy kitchen stories.
PrintEasy Baked Potato Soup: Delicious Quick Recipe
This easy loaded baked potato soup recipe is thick and creamy with all your favorite baked potato flavors. It makes a comforting and warming meal perfect for any occasion. A delicious soup recipe to enjoy at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 4 large Russet potatoes diced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese or more to taste
- Chopped scallions to taste
- 3/4 cup sour cream or more to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut up the bacon and fry it over medium-high heat until crispy about 10 minutes.
- Remove bacon and leave two tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for about a minute.
- Whisk in milk slowly until flour dissolves.
- Add chicken broth garlic and potatoes and scrape browned bits.
- Bring to near boil reduce heat cover slightly and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Mash potatoes slightly if desired.
- Stir in sour cream cheddar and bacon reserving some for topping.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top bowls with scallions remaining cheddar and bacon.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
- If at any point the soup is too thick for you especially when reheating it add in some chicken broth slowly until your desired consistency is reached
- I suggest reheating this soup on a low heat and stirring it often to prevent potatoes cementing on the bottom
- This recipe is also on page 165 of the Salt & Lavender Everyday Essentials cookbook
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg





