Baked Potato Soup Recipe – Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the hearty, creamy goodness of baked potato soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something rich and satisfying, this soup is the epitome of indulgence.

What’s more? It’s deceptively simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

This guide will walk you through a step-by-step recipe for making the ultimate baked potato soup, complete with tips on achieving the perfect creamy consistency and serving suggestions that will make this dish the star of your table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It’s Packed with Flavor: Roasted potatoes pair beautifully with savory bacon, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar.
Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Pure Comfort: It’s warm, creamy, and indulgent. A bowl of this soup will make you feel cozy and content, no matter the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this bowl of joy (serves 4-6).

Main Ingredients

6 medium Russet potatoes (baked)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup sour cream
6 slices of bacon (crispy and crumbled, optional)

Seasoning

2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
A pinch of paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)

Garnish (Optional but Recommended)

Green onions or chives (chopped)
Extra shredded cheese
Additional sour cream
Crispy bacon bits

Step-by-Step Recipe for the Perfect Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Start by baking your potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and wash and dry the Russets. Use a fork to pierce a few holes in each potato to allow steam to escape. Bake them for about 50–60 minutes or until tender. Once done, remove from the oven, allow them to cool slightly, and peel the skins. Chop into small chunks and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a small amount of butter.
Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour (this thickens your soup!).
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, eliminating lumps as you go.

Step 4: Add Milk, Cream, and Potatoes

Slowly stir in the milk and heavy cream. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture begins to thicken (don’t boil).
Toss in the baked potato chunks. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Blend and Add Cheese

For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until creamy. If you prefer some texture, leave a few potato chunks intact.
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the sour cream, letting them melt and blend into the soup.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika (if using).

Serving Suggestions

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with crispy bacon bits, extra cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve alongside crusty bread or a side salad for a complete comfort meal.

Tips for the Best Baked Potato Soup

Use Russet Potatoes: They have the starchy texture needed for a creamy soup.
Don’t Skip the Roux: This step ensures your soup reaches the perfect thick and silky consistency.
Customize the Garnishes: From crispy pancetta to red pepper flakes, have fun with toppings to suit your taste.
Vegetarian Option: Swap bacon for crispy smoked tofu cubes, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Home Cooks

This baked potato soup strikes the perfect balance between creamy decadence and hearty comfort. The ingredients are affordable, the steps are straightforward, and the end result will make your kitchen smell divine.

Whether you're entertaining friends or treating yourself, this soup will become a staple in your comfort food rotation.

Try this recipe tonight and taste the comfort in every spoonful! If you’d love more cozy recipes like this, don’t forget to explore our other comforting soup ideas.