The Story & Intro
Growing up on the beautiful island of Crete, anything warm and comforting always filled our home with joy. Even though we didn’t grow up with American classics like Loaded Baked Potato Soup, my grandmother loved experimenting with simple, hearty ingredients. Potatoes were always her go-to they were affordable, filling, and perfect for feeding a big family.
The first time I tried Loaded Baked Potato Soup, I felt that same warm, cozy feeling I used to get in my yiayia’s kitchen. The creamy base reminded me of her stovetop potato casseroles, and the toppings gooey cheese, crispy bacon, fresh chives felt like pure happiness in every spoonful. Now, whenever I make this dish, I’m reminded that comfort food tastes the same everywhere in the world… warm, familiar, and full of love.
As a home cook who likes to keep things simple but still delicious, Loaded Baked Potato Soup quickly became one of my favorite weeknight recipes. It’s thick, rich, customizable, and totally forgiving even if the kitchen gets a little messy. I believe food brings us together, and this soup does exactly that. Whether you’re making it for your family or cooking just for yourself, Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl.
From my Cretan kitchen to yours, let’s make this creamy, satisfying, flavor-packed classic together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup
- 6 large russet potatoes, baked and cooled
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Toppings
- Extra shredded cheddar
- Crispy bacon pieces
- Sliced chives
- Sour cream
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Wash and dry the potatoes, poke a few holes with a fork, and bake for 1 hour until tender.
- Let them cool, then scoop out the insides. Roughly mash them—keep some chunks for texture.
Cook the Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp.
- Remove the bacon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Add butter to the pot with the bacon fat.
- Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Build the Base
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add milk and heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
Add Potatoes & Seasonings
- Stir in the scooped baked potatoes.
- Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Let the soup simmer for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
Finish with Cheese
- Lower the heat and add cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and silky.
- If you want the soup thicker, mash some potatoes directly in the pot.
- If you want it thinner, add extra broth or milk.
Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with cheddar, bacon, chives, sour cream, and pepper.
Creamy, dreamy, cozy, and absolutely irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast.
- Try it inside a bread bowl for a restaurant-style twist.
- Add steamed broccoli for extra texture and nutrients.
- Pair with a light green salad to balance the richness.
- Perfect for cold nights, game days, or cozy weekends at home.
Recipe Card
🕒 Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
(Full list above)
🍳 Instructions
- Bake potatoes
- Cook bacon
- Sauté onion & garlic
- Build roux
- Add liquids
- Add potatoes & season
- Stir in cheese
- Serve with toppings
📝 Notes
- For extra creaminess, replace 1 cup milk with cream cheese.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Smoked paprika adds depth—don’t skip it!
🔥 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 42g
- Protein: 16g
Conclusion
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is everything you want from comfort food creamy, rich, and full of toppings that make every bite fun. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients and big flavor, and it never fails to make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe will always bring a taste of home. And from my little kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope it brings you the same joy it brings me.
