Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Easy Recipe!

Okay, let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite sanity-saving meals: Loaded Baked Potato Soup! I remember the first time I made this. It was a particularly hectic Tuesday. The kids had back-to-back soccer practices, my husband was working late, and I was staring into the fridge wondering what in the world I was going to pull together for dinner. I was so tired of the 5 PM panic. Then, I remembered a cheesy potato soup recipe I’d seen, and thought “What if I load it up like a baked potato?”

The result? Pure magic. The kids devoured it, even the picky one who usually turns his nose up at anything remotely healthy. My husband raved about it, and I felt like I’d actually won the dinner battle for once. This Loaded Baked Potato Soup has been a staple in our house ever since. It’s warm, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of nights.

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup perfectly fits my family life because it’s customizable, quick, and uses ingredients I usually have on hand. No need for a special trip to the store! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. It’s truly one of my go-to meals when I need something that everyone will love, and that won’t leave me chained to the stove all night. Fellow kitchen warriors, let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this comforting cheesy potato soup:

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The foundation of our creamy potato soup!
• 4 cups chicken broth: Adds flavor and liquid for cooking the potatoes.
• 1 cup milk: Makes the soup extra creamy.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is what gives our Loaded Baked Potato Soup that rich, decadent texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because what’s a baked potato without cheese?
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds that smoky, salty goodness.
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking!
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness.

Trust me, this Loaded Baked Potato Soup ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! No worries if you don’t have chicken broth – I use vegetable broth all the time! You can grab cream cheese at Target while doing your regular grocery run. It can be a lifesaver for so many recipes.

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup doesn’t have to break the bank. Keep an eye out for sales on potatoes and bacon. Sometimes I even use bacon bits to save time and money. A little mom hack for ya! Here’s a Loaded Baked Potato Soup trick that saved my sanity. I prep the potatoes ahead of time. Peel and cube them, then store them in water in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This prevents them from browning.

My family loves when I add extra cheddar cheese to this cheesy potato soup. It just makes it extra cheesy and delicious. Store any leftover Loaded Baked Potato Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get down to business and make some delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Don’t worry, I’ll be with you every step of the way!

1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat: This is where the magic begins!
2. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth: Make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the broth. If needed, add a little more broth or water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender: Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Or, you know, scroll through social media for a few minutes. We all deserve a break.
4. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat: This is important!
5. Add the milk and softened cream cheese: Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. The softened cream cheese is key.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese: Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the Loaded Baked Potato Soup is cheesy and delicious. Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup should smell amazing by now.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be afraid to add a little extra! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
8. Ladle the Loaded Baked Potato Soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions: Get creative with your toppings!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Loaded Baked Potato Soup – I’d add the cream cheese while the pot was still on the heat, and it would sometimes curdle. Now I know to remove the pot from the heat first. Don’t make my mistake! In my chaotic kitchen, this Loaded Baked Potato Soup usually takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, depending on how fast I can chop those potatoes.

While your Loaded Baked Potato Soup is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Or, if it’s wine-o-clock, even better! Don’t panic if your Loaded Baked Potato Soup looks a little thin at first. It will thicken up as it cools. And remember, even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, it will still taste delicious! This creamy potato soup will be a crowd-pleaser regardless.

How We Love to Eat This!

Now that you’ve made this amazing Loaded Baked Potato Soup, let’s talk about how to serve it! Presentation matters, even on a busy weeknight.

The kids devour this Loaded Baked Potato Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. The warm soup and cheesy sandwiches are a perfect combination. For a heartier meal, try serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. It’s also great for potlucks, game days, or even a cozy weekend lunch. I like to serve this fully loaded potato soup in rustic bowls with a generous sprinkle of bacon and green onions. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice touch, too.

Leftovers? No problem! This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is even better the next day. The flavors meld together and it gets even creamier. You can also use leftover potato cheddar soup to make a delicious potato bake. Just top it with breadcrumbs and cheese and bake until bubbly.

One time, I brought this Loaded Baked Potato Soup to a friend’s house for a soup swap. It was a huge hit! Everyone raved about how creamy and flavorful it was. My friend even asked for the recipe. For a fun seasonal variation, try adding roasted corn and black beans in the summer, or butternut squash in the fall.

Speaking of other soups, if your family enjoys this Loaded Baked Potato Soup, be sure to check out my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup recipe, too!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making Loaded Baked Potato Soup. I’ve been there, I get it!

• Can my picky eater handle this Loaded Baked Potato Soup? Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to your child’s liking. Start with a small amount and let them add their own toppings. You can also blend the soup for a smoother texture. My son loves this bacon potato soup when I leave out the green onions!
• What if I burn my Loaded Baked Potato Soup? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) Don’t panic! If the bottom of the soup is slightly burned, carefully transfer the unburned portion to a clean pot. Avoid scraping the burned bits from the bottom. The creamy potato soup can be saved!
• Can I make this Loaded Baked Potato Soup ahead for meal prep? Yes! This is a great make-ahead meal. Just prepare the soup as directed and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. I love making this cheesy potato soup on Sunday and enjoying it for lunch during the week.
• Can I freeze this Loaded Baked Potato Soup? While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content. The cream cheese and milk can sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, I recommend using an immersion blender to smooth it out after thawing and reheating.
• What kind of potatoes work best for this Loaded Baked Potato Soup? I prefer russet potatoes because they are starchy and create a creamy texture. However, you can also use Yukon gold potatoes or even red potatoes.
• Can I make this Loaded Baked Potato Soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Just substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the bacon. You can add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. This also makes a great base to a vegan baked potato soup! Here is a Vegan Baked Potato Soup Recipe – Vegan Huggs
• What if I don’t have cream cheese? You can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. Just add it at the end and stir until smooth. I have done this many times! I love adding greek yogurt!

Final Thoughts:

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is special to my family because it’s a comforting, customizable, and easy meal that everyone loves. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of nights, we can still come together and enjoy a delicious meal.

My Loaded Baked Potato Soup Mom Hacks:

• Prep ahead: Chop the potatoes in advance and store them in water in the fridge.
• Use shortcuts: Bacon bits are your friend!
• Customize it: Let everyone add their own toppings.

Family-Tested Loaded Baked Potato Soup Variations:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
• Cheesy: Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby cheese.
• Loaded: Add corn, black beans, and avocado for a Southwestern twist.

My husband loves the spicy version of this Loaded Baked Potato Soup, while my kids prefer the cheesy version. I personally love the classic bacon potato soup with lots of green onions. Meat for potato soup? What does Reddit think? See here! Meat for potato soup? : r/soup

I hope you try this Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes recipe! This Loaded Baked Potato Soup reminds me of another family favorite, Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach!

You’ve got this, mama! I know you can whip up a batch of this comforting cheesy potato soup and create a mealtime win for your family. Happy cooking! You can find another Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe online!

 

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