CREAMY BAKED POTATO SOUP RECIPE: How to Make

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Total time: Approx. 45 minutes

Cozy Comfort: Easy Creamy Baked Potato Soup

Hey soup lovers! Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade potato soup. This Baked Potato Soup recipe is like a hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor. Your family will love it!

This easy recipe is perfect for any time. Whether it’s a cold evening or you just need comfort, this soup will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Easy to make: Even on busy nights.
Family favorite: Everyone loves creamy potato soup!
Nutritious: Packed with good ingredients.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings.
Quick & tasty: Fantastic flavor in less time.

Health Benefits

Homemade potato soup is comforting and good for you! Potatoes offer carbs, fiber, and vitamins. Making it at home means you control the ingredients for a healthier meal.

Time-Saving Tips

Life gets busy, but this soup can be fast!

Prep ahead: Cook the potato base in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Saves time on toppings.
Chop garnishes early: Get green onions and cheese ready beforehand.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Potato Soup

Quality ingredients make the best soup.

Potatoes: Use starchy types like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy base.
Bacon: Adds a delicious smoky flavor and crunch.
Heavy Cream & Cheddar Cheese: These create that rich, creamy texture.
Onions, Garlic, & Fresh Herbs: Build deep, aromatic flavors.
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and spices balance all the tastes.

Don’t forget the toppings – they add the final touch!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy tools for great soup!

Must-Have Utensils

Large stockpot or Dutch oven: For simmering.
Potato masher: For creamy, slightly chunky soup.
Ladle: For serving.
Wooden spoon: For stirring.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping.

Optional Tools for Better Results

Immersion blender: For super smooth soup.
Food processor: To chop veggies quickly.
Slow cooker: For hands-off cooking and rich flavor.

Selecting and Preparing Potatoes

Choosing and prepping potatoes properly is key.

Choose the right type: Russet or Yukon Gold are best. They get tender but hold their shape.
Clean them well: Wash potatoes thoroughly. Peel them for smoother soup, or scrub well and leave skin on for more texture and nutrients.
Dice evenly: Cut potatoes into consistent 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly.
Prevent browning: Put diced potatoes in a bowl of cold water until you’re ready to cook. This stops discoloration.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s make this comforting soup!

1. Cook Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy.
Remove bacon and set aside. (You can reserve 2 tbsp bacon grease for cooking, if you like).

2. Sauté Aromatics

Add butter or reserved bacon grease to the pot.
Sauté chopped onion over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes).
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Add Potatoes & Broth

Add diced potatoes and broth to the pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are very tender.

4. Create Creaminess

Remove pot from heat.
Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the soup to your desired consistency. Leave some chunks for texture if you like!

5. Stir in Dairy & Cheese

Stir in heavy cream (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the soup is smooth.

6. Season & Finish

Season with salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
Stir in the sour cream. Heat gently (do not boil after adding dairy).

7. Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls.
Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions or chives. Enjoy!

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

This soup is great for busy schedules!

Refrigerating and Freezing

Let soup cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often.
If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
Pro tip: Add crispy toppings just before serving.

Customizable Toppings and Add-ins

Get creative and make this soup your own!

Classic Toppings

Crispy bacon bits
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
Chopped green onions or chives
Crumbled cooked sausage or ground beef

Creative Variations

Roasted garlic cloves
Diced avocado
Crumbled feta or blue cheese
Crispy fried onions or shallots
Chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, thyme)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks face problems. Here’s how to fix them:

Soup Too Thin: Whisk in a slurry of flour or cornstarch (1 tbsp starch + 2 tbsp cold water) while simmering.
Soup Too Thick: Stir in more broth or milk until desired consistency.
Lumpy Soup: Use an immersion blender or carefully blend in batches in a regular blender.
Burnt Potatoes: Scoop out unburnt soup into a clean pot. Do not scrape the bottom.
Curdled Cream: This happens with too high heat. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking constantly.

Expert Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results

Want your soup to taste amazing?

Master Texture: Use the right potatoes and cook them until very tender. Partially mash or blend for creamy-yet-chunky soup.
Enhance Flavor: Sauté onions, garlic, and celery in butter before adding liquids. Add spices like smoked paprika or dried thyme.
Presentation: Swirl sour cream, sprinkle bacon and chives, or drizzle olive oil. Serve with crusty bread.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Modifications

This soup can fit many diets!

General Info: A typical serving (300-400 calories) balances carbs, protein, and fats. Potatoes offer Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit bacon (or use plant-based bacon). For vegan, use plant-based milk (oat, cashew cream) and vegan cheese.
Lower Calorie: Use low-fat milk or dairy-free options. Reduce cheese and sour cream, or use Greek yogurt. Add more veggie toppings.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your broth label.

Recipe Card: Creamy Baked Potato Soup