Description
Craving a cozy and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out? This Creamy Baked Potato Soup is the perfect quick dinner or easy lunch idea. It’s loaded with tender russet potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a silky base of milk and cream. Whether you’re looking for healthy comfort food, quick weeknight meals, or hearty soup recipes, this easy recipe checks every box. Ideal for cold weather or when you just need a bowl of comfort, this creamy soup is simple, flexible, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more for garnish)
1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot with bacon fat, sauté chopped onions until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Stir in flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Add diced potatoes.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Blend partially with immersion blender for creaminess, leaving some potato chunks.
7. Lower heat. Stir in milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
9. Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheese if desired.
10. Optional: add a dash of black pepper for garnish.
Notes
For best flavor and texture, shred your cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded.
Don’t skip the roux step—it makes a big difference in creaminess.
To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth; add smoked paprika for flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 65mg