Okay, let’s be honest. We all crave that cozy, comforting feeling of a baked potato, right? But who has time to actually bake a potato when dinner rush hits? Enter: Baked Potato Soup! It’s the ultimate comfort food shortcut, and way better than Panera’s (don’t tell them I said that!). I’ve rounded up 10 seriously delicious, totally craveable loaded baked potato soup recipes that’ll blow your socks off. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, want to impress guests, or just feel like diving headfirst into a bowl of cheesy goodness, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get soupy!
1. Classic Loaded Baked Potato Soup (The OG)
This recipe? It’s the foundation for everything else. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the classic toppings you know and love. Seriously, you can’t go wrong.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole milk is best, IMO)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bacon crumbles (obviously!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. We want some texture, not baby food!
- Stir in butter, milk, sour cream, and cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and top with green onions and bacon.
Why You’ll Love It: Quick, easy, and undeniably comforting. It’s the perfect blank canvas for all your favorite potato toppings. I once accidentally used cream cheese instead of sour cream, and… well, it was surprisingly good! Don’t make that mistake, though.
2. Spicy Southwest Baked Potato Soup
Feeling a little heat? This version adds a Southwestern kick to the classic. Trust me, the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a game-changer.
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, PLUS:
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1/4 cup adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-3 of the Classic recipe.
- Stir in minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and black beans.
- Ladle into bowls and top with green onions, bacon, and cilantro.
Why You’ll Love It: The smoky spice is addictive! It’s a great way to switch up your potato soup routine, and the black beans add a nice hearty texture.
3. Broccoli Cheddar Baked Potato Soup
Yep, broccoli and potatoes. It actually works. Don’t knock it ’til you try it! The broccoli adds a subtle sweetness and a boost of veggies.
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, PLUS:
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Add broccoli florets to the pot with the potatoes and chicken broth.
- Follow steps 2-4 of the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: Sneaking in extra veggies has never been easier (or tastier). The cheddar cheese complements the broccoli surprisingly well.
4. Bacon & Blue Cheese Baked Potato Soup
For the sophisticated potato soup lover. The salty bacon and tangy blue cheese – a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, PLUS:
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe.
- Stir in blue cheese until melted.
Why You’ll Love It: The bold flavors are amazing. FYI, a little bit of blue cheese goes a long way, so start with less and add more to taste.
5. Creamy Mushroom & Swiss Baked Potato Soup
Earthy, rich, and utterly decadent. Earthier than your standard baked potato soup.
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, PLUS:
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the mushrooms in a little butter until softened.
- Add to the pot with the potatoes and chicken broth. Follow steps 2-4 of the Classic recipe, using Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
Why You’ll Love It: The Swiss cheese adds a delightful nutty flavor. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.
6. Buffalo Chicken Baked Potato Soup
Got a craving for buffalo wings? This soup satisfies all those savory, spicy urges.
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, PLUS:
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- Ranch dressing, for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe.
- Stir in shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce.
- Top with a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a party in your mouth! Chicken, spice, and creamy potato soup – what’s not to love?
7. Philly Cheesesteak Baked Potato Soup
Because who doesn’t love a good cheesesteak? This recipe incorporates all that salty, cheesy goodness into a satisfying soup that you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, PLUS:
- 1/2 lb thinly sliced steak (such as sirloin or ribeye)
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté onions until softened. Add steak and cook until browned.
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe, adding the steak and onions to the pot along with the potatoes and chicken broth. Use provolone cheese instead of cheddar.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s like eating a cheesesteak, but in soup form! A quick and easy way to satisfy your craving for savory flavors.
8. Chorizo & Manchego Baked Potato Soup
A Spanish-inspired twist! The smoky chorizo and nutty Manchego cheese create a truly unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, PLUS:
- 4 oz chorizo, removed from casing and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded Manchego cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the chorizo in a little olive oil until cooked through.
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe. Use Manchego cheese instead of cheddar, and add the cooked chorizo.
Why You’ll Love It: This combination of flavors will transport you to Spain. It’s something different and seriously delicious.
9. Loaded Vegetarian Baked Potato Soup
Say goodbye to the meat and hello vegetables! This version is packed with nutritious goodness and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, minus the bacon.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, corn)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Add mixed vegetables to the pot with the potatoes and chicken broth.
- Follow steps 2-4 of the Classic Recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: This is a great way to get your veggies, and a healthier alternative to the traditional loaded baked potato soup. It also freezes really well if you end up with leftovers.
10. Applewood Smoked Bacon & Caramelized Onion Baked Potato Soup
Sweet, smoky, and savory all in one bowl? Yes, please! The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor you won’t believe.
Ingredients:
- Everything from the Classic recipe, PLUS:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 strips Applewood Smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Caramelize the onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, until they are golden brown and sweet.
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe. Add caramelized onions and crumble bacon.
Why You’ll Love It: The sweet and savory combination is incredible! This is one of those recipes that’ll make everyone ask for the secret ingredient.
Final Thoughts (and Soup-er Tips!)
So there you have it—10 loaded baked potato soup recipes that are guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re craving spice, cheese, or a veggie-packed treat, there’s a recipe here for everyone. These aren’t just soup; these are experiences! The best part? They all come together in under 30 minutes. Seriously, who needs Panera when you can have this? Now go forth and create some potato soup magic! : )
