Nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy baked potato soup on a chilly evening, and this comforting classic delivers rich, hearty flavor in every spoonful. Loaded with tender baked potatoes, crispy bacon, melty Cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, this soup tastes like the ultimate cozy comfort food.
This thick and velvety soup is also a fantastic way to use up leftover baked potatoes while turning simple pantry staples into a restaurant-style meal. Serve it with crusty bread, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of bacon on top for a satisfying dinner the whole family will request again and again.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon
- 2/3 cup butter
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 7 cups milk
- 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy and evenly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, then crumble and set aside.
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and fully combined, creating a thick roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
- Add the cubed baked potatoes and chopped green onions to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can blend together.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is rich and creamy.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra bacon, cheese, green onions, or sour cream if desired. Serve hot.
Chefs Notes
- Russet potatoes work best for this soup because they create a creamy texture.
- For an even thicker soup, mash a portion of the potatoes directly into the broth before serving.
- Add a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.
- This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.