35-Minutes Baked Potato Soup – A Satisfying Cozy Appetizer

This creamy baked potato soup has all the flavors of a traditional loaded baked potato, including onion, bacon, and cheddar cheese. It’s ideal to warm yourself up on a chilly day. You can’t beat a bowl of this delicious soup, which is also extremely easy to recreate.

You can follow this recipe even if you haven’t made soup before. It is broken down into straightforward steps and uses common ingredients that are widely available. 

Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious baked potato soup (Also check out Sausage Potato Soup).

What Is Baked Potato Soup?

Baked potato soup is a creamy, hearty dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. It combines tender chunks of baked potatoes with a velvety broth, often infused with flavors like garlic, onions, and herbs. 

A generous helping of cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of crispy bacon usually crown this culinary masterpiece. Optional garnishes like green onions or sour cream add layers of complexity. Each spoonful offers a symphony of textures and tastes, making it the perfect choice for a satisfying meal or a cozy appetizer.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

• Keto Replace traditional potatoes with cauliflower florets and use heavy cream exclusively to maintain a low-carb, high-fat profile.
• Paleo Opt for coconut milk instead of dairy, and use arrowroot flour as a thickening agent. Make sure your bacon is sugar-free and compliant.
• Gluten-Free Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
• Whole30 Use ghee instead of butter, and ensure that the chicken broth and bacon are both Whole30-compliant. Skip the cheese and flour.
• Vegan Replace all dairy with almond milk and vegan cream. Use vegan cheese and butter, and opt for vegetable broth. Omit bacon or use a plant-based alternative.

Recipe Directions

Step 1: Create Base

Melt butter in a Dutch oven. Add onions and garlic; sauté 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Potatoes

Add diced potatoes; cook for 10 minutes on medium-low heat.

Step 3: Liquids

Season with salt, pepper, and flour. Add milk and broth gradually; cook until potatoes are tender (5-10 minutes).

Step 4: Mash

Mash potatoes lightly. Add cheese, cream, and half of bacon; simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Serve

Top with remaining cheese, chives, and bacon. Serve warm.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Southwestern Style: Incorporate corn, black beans, and a touch of chili powder for a Tex-Mex flair.
• Seafood: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat for a maritime twist.

Add-Ons

• Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms or spinach can add an earthy depth.
• Proteins: Consider diced chicken or tofu for additional protein.

Toppings

• Cheese: Beyond cheddar, try blue cheese or smoked gouda.
• Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or cilantro can add color and flavor.
• Crunch: Croutons or even tortilla strips offer a delightful textural contrast.
• Spice: A drizzle of Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can heat things.

Can I Make Baked Potato Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot? 

Slow Cooker

• Preparation: On a stovetop, follow the initial steps of sautéing onions, garlic, and lightly browning potatoes.
• Transfer: Move the pre-cooked ingredients into the slow cooker, add liquids, and set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Final Steps: Stir in cheese and cream, and allow to heat through before serving.

Instant Pot

• Sauté Mode: This function is used to sauté onions and garlic in the pot directly.
• Pressure Cook: Add potatoes and liquids, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick-release the steam.
• Finish: Stir in cream, cheese, and seasonings. Use the sauté function if needed to thicken.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own? 

Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience: If you need more time, store-bought is a quick and easy option.
• Consistency: Commercial broths offer a consistent flavor profile, crucial when you want predictable results.
• Variety: You can find low-sodium, organic, or flavored versions easily.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor Control: Making broth at home allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking.
• No Additives: You can ensure it’s free from preservatives and excess sodium.
• Resourceful: It’s a great way to use leftover vegetable scraps or bones.

How To Serve The Baked Potato Soup At Its Best? 

• Temperature: Serve the soup hot, but not boiling, to highlight its creamy texture and rich flavors.
• Garnish: Top with reserved bacon bits, extra grated cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped chives to add layers of flavor and visual appeal.
• Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a bread roll can make an excellent companion, providing a contrasting texture.
• Bowls: Use pre-warmed bowls to help maintain the soup’s temperature while eating.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a light, crisp salad or steamed vegetables to balance the soup’s richness.

Perfect Side Dishes To Compliment Baked Potato Soup Recipe

• While this soup is a filling meal, you could serve smaller portions and present them with various side dishes. 
• As with any soup, this dish is best served with a slice of bread. The type of bread you choose is entirely up to you.
• Although sourdough bread is a great option to try something different. The sharpness of the sourdough works well with the sweetness and richness of the soup. 
• However, if you don’t want such a heavy meal, you could serve this baked potato soup with a side salad instead. A simple side salad consisting of leafy greens works well.
• However, you could serve this soup with a range of grilled or cooked vegetables for a healthy side dish alternative.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing if the soup contains cream or milk, as it may separate and become grainy. Freeze without dairy, then add when reheating.
• Make Ahead: Cook the soup without dairy up to two days before serving. Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Warm it up slowly on the stove, then stir in cream or milk as it heats.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

• Potato Casserole: Mix with vegetables and bake under a layer of cheese for a comforting casserole.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the leftover soup and bake until tender.
• Potato Pancakes: Thicken the soup with breadcrumbs, shape into patties, and pan-fry for quick potato pancakes.
• Sauce: Reduce on the stovetop to thicken and use as a sauce for meat or pasta.
• Chowder Base: Add seafood like shrimp or clams to transform it into a hearty chowder.
• Bread Bowl: Serve in a hollowed-out bread loaf for a delightful lunch.
• Frittata: Incorporate into a frittata mixture with eggs and additional veggies, then bake.
• Freeze: Remember, you can always freeze leftovers for a future quick meal.

Tips

• Use Starchy Potatoes: Opt for Russet or Idaho potatoes for their fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors.
• Enhance Flavor: Roast the potatoes to deepen the soup’s flavor profile.
• Build the Base: Start with cooking onions and garlic until translucent for a savory foundation.
• Thicken Wisely: Utilize a flour and butter roux to achieve a creamy, rich consistency.
• Finish with Garnishes: Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and green onions to mirror a classic baked potato experience.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add broth or milk to reach your desired thickness.

NUTRITION TABLE