If you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to make, this Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need! Made with tender baked potatoes, creamy broth, and topped with all your favorite baked potato toppings like crispy bacon, sour cream, and shredded cheese, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. The best part? It's incredibly simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide, tips, and more on how to make this satisfying dish.

What is Baked Potato Soup?

Baked Potato Soup is a creamy, rich soup that mimics the flavors of a loaded baked potato. It combines fluffy baked potatoes, savory broth, and cream to create a luscious base, which is then topped with classic baked potato toppings like bacon, sour cream, green onions, and shredded cheese. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days or when you're craving something warm and filling. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste with different toppings and add-ins.

Ingredients List for Baked Potato Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Baked Potato Soup:

4 large russet potatoes: baked and roughly chopped.
1 medium onion: finely chopped.
2 cloves garlic: minced.
4 cups chicken broth: or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
1 ½ cups milk: whole milk or cream for a creamier soup.
1 cup sour cream: for extra richness and tang.
4 slices bacon: cooked and crumbled (optional).
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: for topping.
2 tablespoons butter: for sautéing the onion and garlic.
Salt and pepper: to taste.
Green onions or chives: chopped, for garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust it based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Version: To make the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the bacon or substitute with crispy plant-based bacon alternatives.
Dairy-Free: Replace milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free sour cream. Skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese for topping.
Add Protein: For a heartier version, you can add cooked chicken or turkey to the soup for extra protein.
Extra Vegetables: Stir in extra vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or corn for additional flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let's dive into the process of making this delicious and easy Baked Potato Soup. You’ll be amazed at how simple and quick it is to pull this meal together!

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Begin by baking your potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the russet potatoes, then poke holes in them with a fork. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 45–60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, let the potatoes cool slightly, then peel and roughly chop them.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

While the potatoes are baking, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes

Add the chicken broth to the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the chopped baked potatoes. Let the soup simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some potato chunks. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blending until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.

Step 5: Add Milk and Sour Cream

Stir in the milk and sour cream to give the soup its creamy, rich texture. Let the soup heat through for another 5 minutes. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more broth or milk to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Season and Taste

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. At this point, you can adjust the seasoning or add more sour cream if you want a tangier flavor. Allow the soup to simmer gently for a few more minutes to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot Baked Potato Soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon, chopped green onions or chives, and an extra dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Baked Potato Soup:

Over-blending: If you over-blend the soup, it can become too smooth and lose its texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only part of it or mash some of the potatoes with a fork instead of fully blending.
Undercooking the Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are fully baked and tender before adding them to the soup. If they’re undercooked, they won’t blend well and could leave hard chunks in the soup.
Not Seasoning Properly: Potatoes tend to soak up a lot of flavor, so don’t be afraid to add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to ensure your soup is well-seasoned.
Skipping the Garnishes: The garnishes, like cheese, bacon, and green onions, really elevate the soup. Don’t skip them, as they add a lot of flavor and texture!

Serving and Presentation Tips

This hearty soup deserves to be served in style! Here are some tips on how to present your Baked Potato Soup and make it look as delicious as it tastes.

How to Serve Baked Potato Soup

With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. It pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.
In Bread Bowls: For an extra special presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. It adds a rustic touch and is a fun way to enjoy the soup!
With a Salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a light, crisp side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect accompaniment.

Presentation Ideas for Baked Potato Soup

Cheese Swirls: After adding the shredded cheese, lightly stir the soup to create a melted cheese swirl effect on top for a pretty presentation.
Crispy Bacon Garnish: Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon on top of the soup right before serving. It adds texture and flavor, plus it looks great!
Colorful Garnish: Finish the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.

Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Make-Ahead Tip: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, and the soup will taste even better the next day. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze this soup, leave out the milk and sour cream and add them after reheating. Dairy can separate when frozen, so it’s best to add it fresh. Store the soup in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thicker or Thinner Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash or blend more of the potatoes. If you like it thinner, simply add more broth or milk to adjust the consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Red or Yukon Gold Potatoes Instead of Russet Potatoes?

Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture. Just note that Yukon Golds will make the soup a bit richer, and red potatoes tend to hold their shape more, making for a chunkier soup.

Can I Use Instant Potatoes to Thicken the Soup?

If you want to thicken the soup quickly, you can stir in a small amount of instant mashed potatoes. It’s an easy shortcut, but be careful not to add too much or the soup may become too thick.

How Long Does Baked Potato Soup Last in the Fridge?

This soup will last 3–4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just reheat gently and stir well before serving.

Can I Make Baked Potato Soup Without Blending?

Yes, if you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the blending step altogether. Simply mash the potatoes slightly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect way to warm up and indulge in comfort food at its finest. Whether you prefer a chunky or smooth texture, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings. It’s quick, easy, and full of the rich flavors you love from a loaded baked potato. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a cozy bowl of soup that will leave you and your family asking for seconds!