Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Introduction
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting, creamy dish that captures all the flavors of a classic baked potato in a warm bowl. Packed with tender potatoes, rich cheese, and fresh chives, it’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large soup pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Step 2: Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot for body, then stir in the milk, heavy cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 7: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the remaining cheddar and fresh chives, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve your preferred soup texture—chunky or smooth.
- Add cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra savory flavor.
- Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or Gruyère to change up the cheese flavor.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of milk if the soup has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether.
Can I freeze Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Freezing is possible, but the soup’s texture may change slightly due to the dairy. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender russet potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and a rich blend of milk, cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh chives, this soup mimics the taste of a loaded baked potato in a warm, hearty bowl perfect for chilly days or anytime comfort food is desired.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Place a large soup pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, heating until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and softened, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Incorporate the diced russet potatoes into the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start the cooking process.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash Potatoes and Add Dairy: Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot with a potato masher to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture. Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Season and Final Simmer: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for another 3 to 5 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference for cheesiness.
- To make the soup thicker, mash more potatoes before adding dairy.
- You can add cooked and crumbled bacon as an optional topping for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked potato soup, loaded potato soup, creamy potato soup, cheddar cheese soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, russet potatoes

