The Ultimate Comfort: A Deep Dive into Our Creamy Baked Potato Soup Recipe
This Baked Potato Soup is the very definition of comfort food — thick, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon, fresh chives, sour cream, and tender potatoes. It tastes like a fully loaded baked potato in cozy soup form! Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or anytime you need a satisfying bowl of warmth.
Ingredients
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4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
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¾ teaspoon salt
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6 slices thick-cut bacon
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1 large yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons butter
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¼ cup flour
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3 ½ cups chicken broth
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2 cups half and half
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¾ cup sour cream
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½ teaspoon pepper
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/8 cup chives, finely diced
Instructions
Prep Work
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Shred the cheddar cheese from a block (melts smoother).
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Measure out sour cream and half and half.
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Let everything sit at room temperature.
1. Cook the Bacon
Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a large pot over low heat until crisp, rotating occasionally.
Remove bacon and set aside. Leave 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
2. Cook the Potatoes
Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Place in a pot, cover with water, add the salt, and gently boil for about 20 minutes, until fork-tender.
Drain and lightly mash. Set aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics
Add diced onion to the pot with bacon drippings. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
Add garlic and butter, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Make the Roux
Whisk in flour. Stir constantly for 1 full minute to remove raw flour taste.
5. Add the Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release bacon bits.
Slowly add the half and half. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
6. Build the Soup
Stir in the mashed potatoes.
Mix in the sour cream and pepper.
7. Blend (Optional but recommended)
For a silky texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender or carefully blend in batches.
8. Add the Cheese
Turn off heat.
Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar, stirring until smooth and melted.
(If the soup is too hot, the cheese may clump—let it cool slightly before adding.)
9. Serve
Top with chives and crispy bacon. Enjoy!
Notes
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Don’t overheat the base when adding cheese—cool for 1–2 minutes if needed.
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Adjust thickness:
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Too thick? Add more broth or half and half.
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Too thin? Simmer a little longer.
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Add-ins: Corn, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms are great additions.
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Make it vegetarian: Omit bacon and use vegetable broth.