All the cozy vibes of a loaded baked potato, now in a spoonable, creamy bowl. This Baked Potato Soup is rich, comforting, and layered with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a touch of tang from sour cream. It's simple to make, pantry-friendly, and endlessly customizable — perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving a bowl of something hearty and warm.
Course Comfort Food, Fall & Winter, One-Pot, Soup, Weeknight Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 461kcal
Ingredients
6slicesthick-cut baconchopped
2lbsrusset potatoespeeled and cubed
1smalloniondiced
2clovesgarlicminced
2tbspbutter
3tbspflour
3cupschicken broth
2cupshalf and half
½cupsour cream
1½cupssharp cheddar cheeseshredded
Salt and black pepperto taste
Optional toppingschives, extra cheese, sour cream, reserved bacon
Instructions
In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tbsp bacon drippings in the pot.
Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain, mash lightly, and set aside.
In the same pot with bacon drippings, sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes. Add butter and garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add half and half and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the mashed potatoes. For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender as desired.
Reduce heat and stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar. Mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon and chives. Add extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the onion in olive oil with a pinch of smoked paprika for that same savory depth.