Description
This creamy loaded baked potato soup combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy sour cream for the ultimate comfort food in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 8 bacon slices
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
- Pierce potatoes multiple times with a fork. Microwave for 12-15 minutes until tender. Carefully halve and let cool. Remove skins and cut into chunks.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat. Crumble bacon into small pieces.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add reserved bacon fat, garlic, and onion. Cook 2-3 minutes until onion is tender.
- Slowly whisk flour into the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half until smooth.
- Add chicken stock gradually. Bring to a light simmer. Whisk in salt, garlic salt, and pepper. Simmer 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reserve 1/4 cup each of cheese and bacon for garnish if desired. Stir in remaining cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Remove from heat.
- Add potato chunks, breaking into smaller pieces or leaving chunky as preferred. Serve hot with reserved toppings and fresh chives.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for the best texture – they break down perfectly and create that classic baked potato flavor
- Don’t skip the bacon fat! It adds incredible depth and smokiness to your soup base
- Whisk constantly when adding flour to prevent lumps from forming in your roux
- Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the dairy from curdling or scorching
- Add sour cream after removing from heat to maintain its tangy flavor and prevent separation
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: potato soup recipe, bacon potato soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food soup, easy soup recipes, cheesy potato soup, quick dinner ideas, hearty soup recipes