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Easy Baked Potato Soup – Creamy, Comforting & Loaded with Flavor

Few things feel as warm, soothing, and satisfying as a big bowl of Easy Baked Potato Soup. Creamy, velvety, hearty, and loaded with flavor, this recipe captures the cozy goodness of a classic baked potato—but transformed into a luxurious spoonable soup. With tender potatoes, savory crispy beef (instead of bacon), onions, garlic, broth, and a touch of cream, this soup delivers everything you love about comfort food without being heavy or complicated. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, cold evenings, or meal prep. It tastes indulgent, but it’s simple to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether topped with cheese, green onions, or crispy beef bits, this Baked Potato Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings nostalgic comfort with every steaming bowl.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Potatoes
  • 4 large Russet potatoes peeled and cubed
Vegetables
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 green onions chopped (for topping)
Broth & Dairy
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
Beef (Pork-Free Bacon Replacement)
  • 1 cup crispy beef bits pan-fried beef pieces or halal beef bacon alternative
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder optional
Oil & Thickener
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp flour to thicken
Optional Toppings
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Extra crispy beef bits
  • Green onions
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Ladle
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Potato masher or blender (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1 — Prepare your crispy beef
  1. Cook small beef pieces in a skillet until crispy.
  2. Set aside for topping.
Step 2 — Sauté the aromatics
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and cook 5–6 minutes until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 3 — Add flour
  1. Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a light roux.
Step 4 — Add potatoes & broth
  1. Add cubed potatoes and pour in the broth.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Bring to a boil.
Step 5 — Simmer
  1. Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Step 6 — Mash or blend
  1. Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes for a creamy texture.
  2. For a smoother soup, blend part of it with an immersion blender.
Step 7 — Add milk & cream
  1. Lower heat and stir in milk and heavy cream.
  2. Do NOT boil.
Step 8 — Add crispy beef
  1. Stir in half of the crispy beef.
  2. Reserve the rest for topping.
Step 9 — Taste & adjust
  1. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.
  2. Step 10 — Serve warm
  3. Top each bowl with cheese, green onions, and remaining crispy beef.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze before adding milk and cream for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm over low heat. Add extra broth or milk if thickened.
🥄 Variations
1. Ultra-Creamy Version
Add ½ cup extra cream or use coconut milk.
2. Chunky Potato Soup
Skip blending and leave potatoes in rustic chunks.
3. Spicy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
4. Vegetarian Version
Skip the beef and use vegetable broth.
5. High-Protein
Add white beans or shredded chicken.
6. Brothy Version
Use extra broth for a lighter soup.
7. Cheese-Lovers Version
Stir in 1 cup sharp cheddar.
8. Herb-Packed Version
Add thyme, chives, or parsley.
9. Garlic-Forward
Add roasted garlic to intensify flavor.
10. Slow Cooker Version
Cook potatoes, onions, garlic & broth 6 hours on LOW; add dairy at the end.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use gold potatoes instead of Russet?
Yes—Yukon golds add a naturally buttery texture.
2. Can I leave the peel on the potatoes?
Yes—it adds texture and nutrients.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut milk or almond milk.
4. Can I use leftover baked potatoes?
Absolutely—this cuts cooking time in half.
5. Can kids eat this?
Yes—it’s mild, creamy, and comforting.
6. Can I freeze potato soup?
Freeze before adding dairy for best texture.
7. How do I thicken the soup?
Add more mashed potatoes or a cornstarch slurry.
8. Can I add bacon?
You use beef instead of pork, to keep the recipe halal.
9. What cheese works best?
Cheddar or Colby Jack melt beautifully.
10. What pairs well with this soup?
Garlic bread, toasted sandwiches, or a crisp salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Baked Potato Soup is everything cozy, creamy, and classic—like a baked potato turned into the perfect bowl of comfort. With soft potatoes, aromatic garlic and onions, silky broth, and crispy beef topping, it’s both hearty and irresistibly satisfying.
Whether you're cooking for family, warming up on a cold evening, or craving a simple comforting dish, this soup is the perfect blend of homestyle coziness and effortless ease.