Contents

The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Creamy, Cheesy, and Utterly Irresistible!

There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially as the crisp air of autumn ushers in cooler temperatures. For me and my oldest daughter, soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a cherished ritual, a go-to comfort food that we could happily enjoy every single day. As soon as the leaves begin to turn, our cravings for hearty, soul-warming soups intensify, and one particular recipe always rises to the top of our wish list: a decadent, creamy, and utterly satisfying Loaded Baked Potato Soup.

Just last week, my daughter casually mentioned, “Mom, we haven’t had your potato soup in ages! You should really make it this week.” That was all the encouragement I needed. I knew exactly what would bring a smile to her face after a long day. The anticipation was palpable. Later, while she was still at work, I called to ask about her schedule. When I revealed my culinary endeavor – “Because I made potato soup!” – her excited “Mmmmm” over the phone was reward enough. She confessed later, after her first blissful bite, “I know it’s only been a couple of hours since you told me, but it feels like a whole week since I’ve tasted this!” That’s the magic of this soup; it’s more than just food; it’s an experience.

Why This Loaded Baked Potato Soup Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just any potato soup; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures designed to evoke the cozy feeling of a perfectly baked, fully loaded potato. Imagine tender chunks of potato, enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, then generously crowned with even more sharp cheddar and crispy, savory bacon bits. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that truly satisfies. Whether you’re seeking a hearty dinner, a comforting lunch, or an impressive appetizer, this recipe delivers on all fronts, promising warmth and indulgence with every spoonful.

One of the best aspects of this incredible recipe is its flexibility. You can easily prepare this glorious soup on your stovetop for a quicker, more hands-on approach, or let it slowly simmer to perfection in your crock pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the day with minimal effort. Both methods yield an equally delicious result, catering to your schedule and preferred cooking style.

The “Loaded” Experience: Customizing Your Soup

What truly sets this potato soup apart is its “loaded” potential. While crispy bacon is a classic and highly recommended topping that adds a fantastic salty crunch, feel free to adapt it to your dietary preferences. For a delightful meatless meal, perfect for occasions like Lent or simply for vegetarian guests, you can easily omit the bacon. The soup remains incredibly flavorful and satisfying on its own, especially when topped with extra cheese and fresh chives.

Beyond bacon, the possibilities for customization are endless. Consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an added tangy creaminess, a sprinkle of fresh green onions or chives for a mild oniony bite and vibrant color, or even a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a little kick. Experiment with different types of cheese – Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy pepper jack can add interesting twists to the classic cheddar. This versatility ensures that every bowl can be uniquely yours, tailored to your taste buds.

Ingredients for an Unforgettable Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Crafting the perfect loaded baked potato soup begins with selecting quality ingredients. The foundation relies on fresh, wholesome vegetables and a creamy, rich base. Here’s a closer look at what makes this soup so exceptional:

**Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchiness, which helps to thicken the soup and create that desirable creamy texture when mashed or blended.
**Aromatic Vegetables:** Celery, carrots, and onion form the traditional mirepoix, providing a foundational layer of savory flavor that deepens with sautéing.
**Creamy Elements:** Butter and cream of celery soup contribute to the luxurious texture, while sour cream adds a delightful tang and extra richness, balancing the savory notes.
**Broth:** Chicken broth forms the liquid base, infusing the soup with robust flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
**Cheese:** Sharp cheddar cheese is key for that signature “baked potato” flavor. Using both in the soup and as a topping ensures a wonderfully cheesy experience.
**Seasoning:** Simple salt and pepper are all that’s needed to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
**Toppings:** Crispy bacon pieces and additional shredded cheddar cheese are essential for the “loaded” aspect, elevating the soup from good to gourmet. Fresh chives or green onions are also highly recommended for a pop of freshness and color.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and incredibly delicious. Don’t hesitate to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best possible outcome.

LOVE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below!

Print Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

A comforting, creamy, and cheesy potato soup, generously topped with more cheese and crispy bacon, evoking the classic loaded baked potato experience.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Course:
Soup

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Creamy Potato Soup, Cheesy Potato Soup

Servings:

8
servings

Calories:

486
kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

4
stalks of celery
chopped
1
cup
carrots
diced
1
large onion
diced
4
potatoes
peeled and cubed (about 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold)
4
Tablespoons
unsalted butter
32
oz
low-sodium Chicken broth
2
cans cream of celery soup
(condensed)
16
ounces
sour cream
(full-fat recommended for best flavor)
2
cups
sharp cheddar cheese
shredded, divided (1.5 cups for soup, 0.5 cup for topping)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Real bacon pieces
crispy and crumbled, for topping
Extra shredded cheddar cheese
for topping
Fresh chives or green onions
chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

**For Stovetop Method:** In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onion, and diced carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the vegetables are mostly covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes and other vegetables are fork-tender.
Once the vegetables are tender, remove about 1-2 cups of potatoes with a slotted spoon and mash them slightly with a fork or potato masher directly in the pot, or in a separate bowl and return to the pot, to achieve your desired thickness. This step helps create the creamy texture.
Stir in the cream of celery soup and the sour cream until well combined and smooth.
Gradually add 1.5 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich, velvety consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving generously with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon pieces, and optional fresh chives or green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

**For Crock Pot Method:** Place the chopped celery, diced carrots, diced onion, peeled and cubed potatoes, and chicken broth into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are very tender. Once cooked, mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to thicken the soup to your desired consistency. Then, stir in the cream of celery soup, sour cream, and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and melted. Continue to cook on low for another 30 minutes to an hour to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to fully incorporate. Serve as directed, topping with more shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, and chives.
**Thickening Tip:** If you prefer an even thicker soup, you can create a simple slurry by whisking 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then slowly stir it into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
**Vegetarian Option:** To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. The soup is still incredibly flavorful and satisfying with just the cheese and other vegetable toppings!

Nutrition

—

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Potato Soup

To ensure your Loaded Baked Potato Soup is as magnificent as possible, consider these essential tips:

**Choose the Right Potatoes:** Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices for potato soup. Russets break down beautifully, contributing to a naturally creamy texture, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly waxier texture and a buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes like red new potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape too much.
**Don’t Overcook Your Veggies Initially:** While you want your potatoes tender, make sure they aren’t mushy before adding the cream and cheese. They will continue to cook slightly, and overcooked potatoes can lead to a grainy texture.
**Mashing for Texture:** The step of mashing some of the cooked potatoes is crucial for developing the soup’s thick, creamy body. You can do this right in the pot with a potato masher for a chunkier soup, or for an ultra-smooth consistency, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches) before adding the dairy and cheese.
**Temper Your Dairy:** When adding sour cream and cream of celery soup, ensure your soup isn’t at a rolling boil. Simmer gently to prevent the dairy from curdling. For extra precaution, you can temper the sour cream by mixing a small amount of hot soup into it before stirring it into the main pot.
**Cheese Integration:** Add the cheese gradually and stir until fully melted before adding more. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a smooth, uniform texture. Using freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
**Seasoning is Key:** Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. Potato soup can often benefit from generous seasoning with salt and pepper, and perhaps a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra layer of flavor.
**Garnish Generously:** The “loaded” aspect is all about the toppings! Don’t skimp on the crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, and fresh green onions or chives. They add not just flavor but also visual appeal and textural contrast.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This hearty Loaded Baked Potato Soup can easily stand alone as a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.

**Bread:** A crusty loaf of artisanal bread, warm dinner rolls, or fluffy cornbread are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, creamy soup.
**Salad:** A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the soup, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
**Sandwiches:** A classic grilled cheese sandwich or a simple deli sandwich can turn this soup into a comforting lunch combo.

For leftovers, this soup stores wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency, as it can thicken in the fridge. Avoid boiling, which can cause the dairy to separate. Fresh toppings can be added again before serving reheated portions to restore that “loaded” appeal.

Embrace the Comfort: Make Your Own Loaded Baked Potato Soup Today!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm, homemade soup, and this Loaded Baked Potato Soup truly epitomizes that feeling. From the creamy, cheesy base to the savory crunch of bacon and the fresh bite of chives, every element comes together to create a dish that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting friends, or simply seeking a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe promises to be a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.

It’s easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, next time you’re looking for a recipe that combines ease with extraordinary flavor, look no further. Dive into the delightful world of homemade Loaded Baked Potato Soup and experience the joy and warmth it brings. Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know your favorite toppings in the comments below!