Warm up with a bowl of creamy cheesy baked potato soup that is perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines tender russet potatoes, rich cream, and sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting, delicious dish. With the option for a dairy-free twist, it's great for everyone. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and warm your home with the inviting aromas of homemade soup!
4 large russet potatoes, thoroughly scrubbed and diced into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve extra for topping)
4 slices of crispy cooked turkey bacon or plant-based bacon, chopped (optional for added flavor)
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil for sautéing
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Chopped chives or sliced green onions for garnish
![To make a comforting and creamy baked potato soup, you need the right ingredients. Here’s the list of what you'll need: - 4 large russet potatoes - 1 medium onion - 3 cloves garlic - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 4 slices crispy turkey bacon or plant-based bacon (optional) - 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Chopped chives or sliced green onions Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that rich, creamy flavor. The russet potatoes give the soup its heartiness. The onion and garlic add a lovely aroma and depth. Using vegetable broth keeps it light yet flavorful. You can choose between heavy cream or coconut cream for creaminess. The sharp cheddar cheese brings a delicious cheesy tang. If you like a bit of crunch, crispy bacon is a great option. Fresh thyme adds a hint of earthiness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top. This adds color and freshness. For the full recipe with instructions, refer to the section labeled Full Recipe. - First, I melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. - Next, I add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. The onion should look soft and shiny. - Then, I toss in the minced garlic. I stir it for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. - Now, I add the diced russet potatoes into the pot. - I pour in the vegetable broth next. This will help cook the potatoes. - I turn up the heat to bring it all to a boil. - After it boils, I lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender. - Once the potatoes are soft, I take a potato masher and mash some of the soup. - I leave some chunks for texture. This adds heartiness to the soup. - Then, I stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. - I mix it well until the cheese melts and the soup gets creamy. - Next, I add the fresh thyme leaves to the pot. - I season it with salt and black pepper to taste. - If I want more flavor, I fold in the chopped bacon. - I let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. This method creates a comforting and creamy delight that warms you up. For the full recipe, check out the section above. To achieve the right creaminess in baked potato soup, I recommend using heavy cream. It gives the soup a rich texture. If you prefer a lighter option, try coconut cream. It adds a hint of sweetness without losing creaminess. For a smooth finish, an immersion blender works wonders. Just blend the soup until it reaches your desired thickness. I love leaving some potato chunks. It adds a nice bite to each spoonful. Seasonings can elevate your soup. I suggest adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives brighten the flavor. Add them at the end of cooking to keep their freshness. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Don’t shy away from experimenting. A pinch of cayenne can add a lovely heat. Garnishing makes your soup more inviting. I enjoy topping mine with extra cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. A sprinkle of chopped chives or sliced green onions adds color and flavor. Serving the soup in a crusty bread bowl is a fun idea. It makes for a hearty meal and looks impressive. For a cozy touch, try pairing it with a simple side salad. For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan. Use plant-based ingredients like vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a dairy-free option, switch heavy cream with coconut cream. This keeps it creamy without any dairy. To mix up the flavor, add spices like paprika or cumin. You can also try different cheeses. For example, pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick. For toppings, consider using crispy fried onions or diced avocado. They add crunch and freshness. If you want to change the potatoes, sweet potatoes work well too. They give a sweeter taste. For cream, use cashew cream or almond milk as lighter choices. These swaps keep the soup tasty while changing its profile. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. After you enjoy your baked potato soup, let it cool down. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This way, you keep it fresh. In the fridge, it can last about 3 to 4 days. You can freeze the soup for later! Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It stays good for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the soup gently. Use the stove over low heat or the microwave. Stir often to avoid separation. If you see curdling, add a splash of cream to help smooth it out. Enjoy your comforting bowl! The best potato for baked potato soup is the russet potato. Russets are starchy and fluffy. They give the soup a creamy texture. Their flavor pairs well with cheese and broth. If you want a different texture, you can mix in some Yukon Gold potatoes. They add a smooth, buttery taste. Yes, you can make baked potato soup ahead of time. In fact, the flavors deepen if you let it sit. Prepare the soup, cool it down, and store it in the fridge. It lasts for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove. Stir well to ensure even heating. To thicken baked potato soup, you can use a few methods. One way is to mash some of the potatoes. This adds body while keeping some chunks for texture. Another method is to add a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it in. Let it cook until it thickens. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic on the stove. Then, add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Once done, blend the soup or mash it to your liking. The nutritional info for baked potato soup varies by recipe. For this recipe, each serving has about: - Calories: 350 - Total Fat: 20g - Saturated Fat: 10g - Cholesterol: 50mg - Sodium: 600mg - Total Carbohydrates: 35g - Dietary Fiber: 4g - Sugars: 2g - Protein: 10g For precise numbers, check the Full Recipe. Adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs if needed. This article explored how to make a delicious baked potato soup. You learned about key ingredients like russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy options. We discussed simple steps to cook, blend, and season the soup perfectly. Tips on variations, storage, and reheating ensure you can enjoy it again. Remember, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Dive into your kitchen and create a warm bowl of comfort. Your next meal can be both fun and satisfying!](https://meltedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8e698187-77c4-4c1a-9567-bb868e598ef3-300x300.webp)