Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this spectacular Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe. Velvety smooth, packed with hearty chunks of tender potatoes, and bursting with rich cheddar cheese and fresh chives, it’s everything you want in a cozy homemade soup. Every spoonful delivers layers of flavor, from the garlicky sautéed onions to the creamy broth that wraps all the ingredients in pure deliciousness. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or a casual get-together, this soup is simple, satisfying, and downright irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients that you’ve likely seen before. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s building the rich base, adding depth through aromatics, or bringing that classic loaded potato flair with cheese and chives.

• Russet potatoes: The star of the dish, these starchy potatoes provide the perfect texture and body to the soup.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely softness once sautéed.
• Garlic: Brings a fragrant depth that wakes up the flavors beautifully.
• Vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful, warm base while keeping the soup light.
• Heavy cream: Gives the soup its lush and creamy consistency.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in for that irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess when used as a garnish.
• Fresh chives: Offer a mild oniony bite and a pop of green color.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every ingredient.
• Olive oil or unsalted butter: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, infusing warmth and richness.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and cutting them into small, uniform cubes. This step ensures the potatoes cook evenly and smoothly blend into the soup later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant. This builds a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. The garlic infuses the broth with a lovely aromatic warmth.

Step 4: Combine Potatoes with Aromatics

Introduce the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir well to combine them with the sautéed onion and garlic. Let everything cook together for roughly 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soak in those fragrant flavors.

Step 5: Simmer in Vegetable Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready to be blended.

Step 6: Blend to Desired Consistency

Using an immersion blender right in the pot, blend the soup until it reaches the consistency you like—whether that’s perfectly smooth or with some delightful potato chunks left for texture.

Step 7: Stir in Cream and Seasonings

Pour in the heavy cream for that luscious richness, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it warm through for about 5 more minutes so all the flavors come together beautifully.

Step 8: Melt in Cheddar Cheese

Take the pot off the heat and stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the soup, making it irresistibly cheesy and velvety smooth.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your piping hot soup into bowls and top with dollops of sour cream, fresh chives, and the remaining cheddar cheese. These garnishes add a burst of tang, color, and even more cheesy delight.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the simple power of garnishes—they bring this soup from great to truly memorable. A spoonful of sour cream adds creaminess and a subtle tang, while fresh chives lend a fresh burst of herbal brightness. Sprinkle on extra cheddar cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into every last drop. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls to impress guests and make it an immersive eating experience. For a fun twist, top with crispy bacon bits or swap in gouda or smoked cheese for a smoky variation that’s equally delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the flavors fresh.

Freezing

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe freezes well! Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. Avoid overheating to preserve that wonderful creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Absolutely! Chicken broth will add a richer flavor, making the soup even heartier, but vegetable broth works wonderfully for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.

Is it okay to skip the heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter soup, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk, but keep in mind it will be less creamy and indulgent.

Can I add bacon to the soup?

Definitely! Crispy bacon bits make a classic addition that elevates the “loaded” part of this soup to the next level. Just sprinkle them on as a garnish.

What can I do if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot. Just be cautious with hot liquid to avoid splatters.

How spicy is this soup? Can I add some heat?

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe is mild by default, but feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños if you like a little kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a big bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe, especially when it’s homemade with love. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to whip up this crowd-pleaser and enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

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