Panera Baked Potato Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort

Name: Panera Baked Potato Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 6 tbs butter; 2 cups yellow onions; 3 tbs garlic; ½ cup flour; 10 cups chicken stock or broth; ½ cup whole milk; 1 ½ cups of heavy cream; 10 cups of potatoes cubed; 8 oz cream cheese; ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; salt to taste; splash of hot sauce – we use Louisiana; ½ teaspoon liquid smoke or smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon turmeric or 2 strands of saffron; ½ cup of chopped bacon plus enough for garnish – we use a whole pack; ½ cup of chives plus enough for garnish

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The moment you stir cream and potatoes, and the kitchen fills with warm, buttery smellsthat’s the magic of Panera Baked Potato Soup. This soup’s creamy, cheesy goodness has made it a beloved comfort classic, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave that cozy hug-in-a-bowl feeling.

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Loaded with tender chunks of potato, sharp cheddar, and crispy bits of bacon, this soup feels special but comes together simply. Think of it like your grandma’s recipe but with a quicker, richer twistno fuss, no fancy ingredients. It’s a pantry-friendly, stick-to-your-ribs meal your family will ask for again and again.

Back in the winter of 2015, when I first tried to recreate this soup from memory, my kids devoured it before I could plate. I learned to simmer low and slow so the potatoes stay chunky yet silky. Years of tweaking these comforting recipes on AMGRoyal have made this one a stapleand a delicious excuse to slow down and savor.

Why You’ll Love This Panera Baked Potato Soup

This soup is pure comfort in a bowl creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender potatoes that hold just enough bite to feel homemade and hearty.
The bacon and smoky hints from smoked paprika or liquid smoke add a cozy, rich depth that transforms simple ingredients into something extra special.
It’s perfect for chilly afternoons when you want something warming but fuss-free a classic that feels nostalgic and inviting without hours of work.

Panera Baked Potato Soup centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

Key Ingredients & Tools to Gather

Butter, onions, and garlic: The flavor base for that warm, savory start.
Potatoes: Cubed just right to give you a silky soup with chunky personality no mush here!
Cream cheese, heavy cream, and two kinds of cheese: These bring the signature creamy, cheesy richness.

Chicken stock: Makes the broth flavorful but light enough so the cheese and potatoes shine.
Seasonings: A splash of hot sauce for that little kick, smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth, turmeric or saffron for a comforting golden color.
Bacon and chives: For crispy, savory fun and a fresh pop of green at serving.

Pro Tip: A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot will help your soup simmer evenly without sticking.

How It Comes Together Step-by-Step

Melt butter in your Dutch oven, then sauté onions with a pinch of salt until fragrant, softening their natural sweetness.
Add minced garlic and let it mingle for about a minute don’t rush this, it’s key for building flavor.

Sprinkle in the flour, stirring until butter and flour are fully blended; this little roux thickens the soup beautifully.
Slowly whisk in chicken stock, then stir in the milk and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
Pop in the cubed potatoes and simmer until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes; don’t forget to fry and chop your bacon for that irresistible crunch.

Partially mash the potatoes in the pot leaving some chunks for texture then stir in cream cheese, parmesan, cheddar, turmeric, smoked paprika, and hot sauce.
Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle in chopped bacon and chives, then ladle warm into bowls.

Note: Taking time to simmer gently helps keep potatoes perfectly tender instead of breaking down into mush.

Troubleshooting & Easy Tweaks

Too thick? Stir in a little extra chicken stock or milk until you reach your ideal creaminess.
Not smoky enough? Add a pinch more smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke, tasting as you go.
Chunky vs. smooth: Adjust how much you mash the potatoesmore mashing means creamier soup, while less gives you rustic texture.

Heat level: Control the warmth with hot sauce or skip it for younger kids or milder tastes.

Serving & Storing Your Leftovers

This soup is divine in bread bowls if you want a special touch, but a sturdy bowl plus crusty bread for dipping works just as well for a casual family meal.

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigerator (airtight container)	Up to 4 days	Reheat gently on stove or microwave to keep cream smooth
Freezer (heavy-duty bag or container)	Up to 3 months	Thaw overnight in fridge; stir after reheating to recombine

Pro Tip: Garnish freshly with bacon and chives right before serving to keep those toppings crisp and colorful.

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FAQs ( Panera Baked Potato Soup )

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors develop overnight. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth if it becomes too thick. Gently warm on medium-low heat, stirring frequently.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down nicely and create a naturally thick, creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well and hold their shape better if you prefer chunkier pieces. Avoid red potatoes as they stay too firm and don’t blend well into the soup base.

How do I prevent the soup from curdling?

Keep the heat at medium-low when adding dairy ingredients and stir constantly. Remove the pot from heat before whisking in sour cream or cream cheese. If using milk, choose whole milk over low-fat versions as the higher fat content is less likely to separate when heated.

Can I freeze leftover soup?

This dish doesn’t freeze well because dairy-based soups separate when thawed and reheated. The texture becomes grainy and unappetizing. Instead, store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or halve the recipe if you’re cooking for fewer people.

What toppings pair well with this recipe?

Crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and sour cream are classic choices. Toasted breadcrumbs add nice texture contrast. For extra flavor, try caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.

Panera Baked Potato Soup centered hero view, clean and uncluttered_pin

There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy hug you get from this Panera Baked Potato Soup. In about 45 minutes, you’ll have a velvety bowl brimming with tender potatoes, melted cheese, and that smoky bacon crunch. The aroma alone feels like a quiet evening spent wrapped in a soft blanketcozy, comforting, and deeply satisfying. You’ll love how it turns out every single time.

Feel free to play with the flavorsswap smoked paprika for a dash of chipotle to add warmth, or stir in some fresh herbs right before serving for a bright twist. A little tip I picked up from my aunt: always reheat gently on low to keep the cream smooth and loving. Leftovers are perfect the next day, so don’t hesitate to double up and savor it again.

I’d love to hear your stories: Does this soup take you back to any chilly nights or family traditions? If you give this recipe a try, please share your photos or memoriesthere’s something magical about gathering around a bowl like this. Pin it, save it, and pass it on to those you hold dear. Here’s to good food that feels like home. ❤️

Panera Baked Potato Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort