Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Ready to transform a classic comfort food into a steaming bowl of deliciousness? Loaded Baked Potato Soup isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that'll warm your soul and impress your dinner guests. You'll learn how to create a creamy, luxurious soup that captures the essence of a loaded baked potato, complete with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and all the perfect garnishes. Curious about how to elevate this humble dish from ordinary to extraordinary? Let's break down the steps that'll turn you into a soup-making maestro.

Recipe Highlights

• Gather essential ingredients: russet potatoes, bacon, cream, cheese, green onions, and optional toppings like sour cream and chives.
• Prepare potatoes by peeling and cubing into 1/2-inch pieces, then cook with a base of butter, flour, and milk to create a creamy consistency.
• Cook bacon separately in a cold skillet until crisp, reserving the fat for added flavor and using crumbles as a topping.
• Mash potatoes selectively to create a mix of smooth and chunky textures, gradually incorporating cream to prevent scorching and maintain richness.
• Serve hot with generous garnishes of crispy bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, green onions, and additional toppings to enhance flavor and presentation.

History

Although potato soup has deep roots in European culinary traditions, the loaded baked potato soup we know today emerged as a quintessential American comfort food.

You'll trace its origins to mid-20th century diners and casual restaurants, where chefs began experimenting with hearty potato-based dishes. Regional variations developed across the United States, with Midwestern and Southern kitchens particularly embracing the concept of transforming simple ingredients into rich, satisfying meals.

The dish gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, when restaurant chains and home cooks alike started elevating classic potato soup with indulgent toppings.

You'd recognize the influence of steakhouse culture, where loaded potatoes became a beloved side dish. This culinary evolution turned a humble peasant food into a beloved comfort classic.

Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that transforms a classic side dish into a rich, satisfying meal. This hearty soup captures the essence of a loaded baked potato, delivering creamy texture and bold flavors in every spoonful.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a few key ingredients to create a restaurant-quality soup that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. By carefully balancing mashed and chunky potatoes, the soup achieves a perfect creamy consistency that will remind you of your favorite steakhouse appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 slices bacon
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, then partially mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. This technique ensures a soup that's creamy yet still has interesting potato pieces throughout.

Pour the heavy cream into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Gradually stir in most of the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a smooth, velvety base.

Once the cheese is melted and the soup is hot, it's ready to be served. When serving, top each bowl with the remaining cheese, crispy crumbled bacon, and thinly sliced green onions.

For the best results, avoid over-mashing the potatoes, which can make the soup gummy, and add toppings just before serving to maintain their distinct textures and flavors.

Cooking Steps

You'll start your loaded baked potato soup by carefully cubing and peeling russet potatoes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.

Next, crisp up your bacon in a skillet until it reaches a perfect golden-brown texture, which will become a crucial topping for your finished dish.

As you progress, you'll gradually incorporate cream into your partially mashed potatoes, creating a luxurious base that promises a rich, comforting soup experience.

Step 1. Cube and Peel Potatoes

Grab a sharp chef's knife and sturdy cutting board to transform those russet potatoes into perfectly uniform cubes.

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin in smooth, consistent strokes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then place the flat side down for stability. Slice the potato into 1/2-inch thick planks, then rotate and cut these planks into even cubes.

Key potato cubing tips:

• Aim for roughly 1/2-inch pieces
• Keep cuts consistent for even cooking
• Work slowly and deliberately
• Use a sharp knife for clean cuts

Uniform cubes ensure your soup cooks evenly and looks professionally prepared.

Don't rush this foundational step—precision matters in creating a perfect loaded baked potato soup.

Step 2. Cook Bacon Until Crisp

Sizzle the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, transforming those raw strips into crispy, golden-brown perfection.

Start with a cold pan, laying the bacon strips flat without overlapping, allowing each piece to render its fat slowly and evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Look for visual cues: edges will curl, color will deepen, and surface will develop a rich, mahogany-like sheen. Use tongs to flip each slice, ensuring uniform crispness.

Once bacon reaches maximum crunchiness, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Pat strips gently to remove additional oil.

Let bacon cool for 2-3 minutes, then crumble into small, irregular pieces perfect for topping your loaded potato soup.

Step 3. Add Cream Gradually

Because cream can easily scorch or separate if added too quickly, introduce the heavy cream to your potato mixture with careful, deliberate technique. Start by reducing the heat to medium-low, then pour the cream in a slow, steady stream while continuously stirring.

Watch for visual cues: the mixture should gradually thicken and become glossy without developing any brown spots or curdling.

Key cream-adding strategies:

• Pour cream incrementally
• Stir constantly
• Maintain moderate heat
• Look for smooth integration

Aim for a silky, consistent texture that coats the back of your spoon. If the cream starts to bubble aggressively, immediately lower the heat and continue stirring.

Your goal is a luxurious, creamy base that enhances—not overwhelms—the potato's natural flavor profile.

Step 4. Mash Potatoes Carefully, Selectively

As you've carefully introduced the cream to your potato mixture, the next step involves transforming those tender potatoes into a soup with perfect texture.

When mashing, use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to break down the potatoes strategically. Your goal is a split approach: mash approximately 50% of the potatoes into a creamy consistency, while leaving the remaining chunks intact. This technique creates a soup with varied textures—some smooth, some chunky—that mimics a classic loaded baked potato.

• Avoid over-mashing, which can make the soup gluey
• Leave noticeable potato pieces for rustic appeal
• Use gentle, intermittent pressure when mashing
• Aim for a mix of smooth and chunky sections

Carefully balance your mashing to preserve the soup's integrity.

Step 5. Serve Immediately With Toppings

Four essential steps transform your loaded baked potato soup from a humble pot of ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.

First, ladle the steaming soup into wide, shallow bowls, ensuring each serving has a balanced potato-to-cream ratio.

Next, sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese generously across the surface, allowing it to partially melt from the soup's heat.

Carefully distribute the crispy, crumbled bacon over the cheese, creating an appealing textural contrast.

Finally, garnish with thinly sliced green onions, which add a fresh, sharp note and vibrant green color.

Serve immediately while the soup is hot, with the toppings still crisp and distinct.

These final touches elevate your soup from simple to spectacular, delivering a visually appealing and flavor-packed dining experience.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to elevate your soup game, this loaded baked potato soup recipe offers a straightforward path to comfort food perfection. The key to success lies in technique and ingredient quality. Opt for fresh russet potatoes, crisp bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese to maximize flavor complexity.

Pay close attention to potato texture during mashing, ensuring you maintain a mix of smooth and chunky elements. Your goal is a rich, velvety soup with substantial potato pieces that provide delightful textural contrast.

When serving, remember that presentation matters: garnish generously with green onions and bacon crumbles. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize toppings or adjust consistency to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.