When comfort food is on your mind and your soul craves a warm, cozy hug, there’s nothing quite like a spoonful of this Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic. Each bowl captures the golden, buttery essence of a classic baked potato, brimming with bacon, cheese, and just a touch of smokiness. This soup is a creamy, savory escape on even the chilliest nights and turns a handful of simple pantry staples into a truly memorable homemade meal you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about watching a few simple, everyday ingredients transform into a luscious, soul-soothing bowl of pure comfort. Each component plays a starring role, delivering creaminess, savoriness, and eye-catching color to every spoonful of Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic.
- Russet potatoes (4 large, baked and peeled): The hearty base, lending the soup its dreamy, velvety texture and that signature baked potato flavor.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Brings an irresistible smoky crunch and savory depth to every bite.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Offers subtle sweetness and rounds out the savory notes in the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic punch that seeps into each spoonful.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates ultimate richness and blends flavors into a smooth roux.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the soup for that signature creamy body.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Delivers luscious creaminess—whole milk makes all the difference here.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Deepens the overall flavor while preventing the soup from being too heavy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The tangy, melty heart of this soup—don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Swirled in for brightness and that classic baked potato feel.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors—always taste as you go.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle hint of smoke ties the flavors together in the best way.
- Green onions (2, sliced): A fresh and colorful finish that livens up your bowl.
- Extra shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon (for topping): Because who doesn’t love a loaded potato?
How to Make Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Sizzle it until it’s perfectly crispy and golden, then use a slotted spoon to set aside the bacon bits for later. Don’t drain all the fat—leave about a tablespoon in the pot, because that flavorful fat is liquid gold for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic
Into that glorious bacon fat, toss your diced onion. Let it soften for about four to five minutes, stirring often to build sweetness and depth. Next, add the garlic and cook for just a minute, until fragrant. Your kitchen should already smell amazing!
Step 3: Make the Roux
Add the butter and let it melt completely into the onion and garlic. Now, whisk in the flour and cook this mixture for another minute or two—this forms your roux, which is going to thicken the soup and give it body without any lumps.
Step 4: Whisk In the Liquids
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly as you go. This steady whisking makes the soup luxuriously smooth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, giving it five to seven minutes to thicken up and come together.
Step 5: Add the Potatoes
Roughly mash your baked russet potatoes, then stir them into the pot. Some texture is great, so don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth. The potato fills the soup with starchy goodness and transforms it into a true Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic.
Step 6: Stir in the Good Stuff
Once the potatoes are cozy in the pot, add the shredded cheddar, sour cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let it all simmer together on low for another ten minutes, stirring now and then until the cheese is melted and everything is perfectly creamy.
Step 7: Taste & Serve
Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Now, ladle generously into bowls and don’t forget the fun part: pile on those crispy bacon bits, fresh green onions, and extra cheese for a picturesque bowl of Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic.
How to Serve Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic
Garnishes
Sprinkling on crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and a generous handful of extra cheddar turns each serving into a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Try a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of hot sauce for a bit of zing. Adding a colorful finish makes the experience of eating Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic feel just as special as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crusty slice of sourdough, a simple green salad, or even a handful of crunchy croutons. For those especially hungry nights, warm garlic bread or a veggie-loaded salad turn it into a full meal. It’s the definition of comfort food made easy, and always leaves you satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic in hollowed-out bread bowls, or ladle it into small mugs for an adorable party starter. Top each portion with a different garnish to make everyone’s bowl personal and picture-perfect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the garnishes separate so they stay fresh and crisp. When you reheat, it’ll taste just as delicious as the first time.
Freezing
Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic is freezer friendly. Once the soup cools completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For the creamiest results, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens, add a splash of milk or broth until it returns to your preferred texture. Stir in your garnishes right before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Amp up the smoky flavor with a touch more smoked paprika or add sautéed mushrooms for richness.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are the traditional choice, thanks to their fluffy texture, but Yukon Golds are also delicious and add a slightly buttery note. Stick with starchy potatoes for the classic effect.
How can I make my soup extra smooth?
For a silky-smooth finish, use an immersion blender to whirl part (or all) of the soup before adding your garnishes. Or, leave it slightly chunky for a more rustic, homemade feel. Both ways are fantastic!
Can I prepare baked potatoes in advance?
Yes! In fact, using leftover baked potatoes makes this recipe even more convenient. Bake them a day ahead, store in the fridge, and you’re set to whip up soup in record time.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s quite mild, with just enough black pepper and smoked paprika for warmth. If you want a bit of kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne or your favorite hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing away winter chills or simply craving classic comfort, Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic delivers pure, bowl-licking satisfaction every time. With its rich, creamy base, crispy toppings, and easy one-pot method, it’s the kind of recipe everyone comes back to. Invite your family to the table, let the soup work its magic, and savor every cozy, heartwarming spoonful!
Print
Baked Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try This Creamy Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting goodness of Baked Potato Soup with its creamy texture and hearty flavors. This classic soup is a perfect blend of baked potatoes, savory bacon, cheddar cheese, and aromatic spices, creating a cozy dish that’s ideal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Baked Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes, baked and peeled,
Bacon Mixture:
4 slices bacon, chopped, 1 small onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced,
Soup Base:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika,
Garnish:
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish), additional shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon for topping
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Cook onion until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Make Roux: Stir in butter, then flour to form a roux.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Mash baked potatoes and add to the soup. Stir in cheese, sour cream, seasonings, and simmer.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve hot, topped with bacon, green onions, and extra cheese.
Notes
- Bake potatoes in advance or use leftovers for convenience.
- For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
