Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Potato Soup Base
- Russet potatoes: These are perfect for baked potato soup because they become soft, fluffy, and creamy when cooked.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the base of the soup.
- Yellow onion: Gives the soup a savory foundation and balances the richness.
- Garlic: Adds warm flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup so it becomes creamy and spoon-coating.
For the Creamy Broth
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth. You can use vegetable broth if you want a meat-free base.
- Whole milk: Makes the soup creamy without making it too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Adds extra richness and gives the soup that cozy restaurant-style texture.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and gives the soup the flavor of a real loaded baked potato.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup and adds bold cheesy flavor.
For the Loaded Toppings
- Crispy bacon: Adds smoky crunch and classic loaded potato flavor.
- Extra cheddar cheese: Perfect for sprinkling on top while the soup is hot.
- Green onions or chives: Add freshness and color.
- Sour cream: A small dollop on top makes the bowl extra creamy and tangy.
- Black pepper: Gives the soup a cozy finishing flavor.
Substitution Tips
If you want a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or replace part of the cream with extra milk. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the bacon, or use crispy fried onions, smoked paprika, or roasted mushrooms for a savory topping.
If you prefer a smoother soup, blend more of the potatoes before adding the cheese. If you like texture, leave some potato chunks whole. You can also add cooked chicken, broccoli, corn, or cauliflower to make the soup even heartier.
