How to Make Creamy Baked Potato Soup in 30 Minutes

There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of soup on a chilly day, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal—my Easy Baked Potato Soup! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves loaded baked potatoes but wants a soup version that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s packed with all the flavors you love: bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and scallions. It’s one of those quick family dinners that everyone will ask for again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for 30-minute meals!
• Creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor.
• Customizable with your favorite toppings.
• A great way to use up leftover bacon or potatoes.
• It’s a homemade soup recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy baked potato soup recipe:

• 6 strips of bacon
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 large Russet potatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
• Chopped scallions (to taste)
• 3/4 cup sour cream (or more to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into how to make this loaded baked potato soup in just 30 minutes!

1. Cut up the bacon and add it to a soup pot. Fry the bacon over medium-high heat until it’s nice and crispy (about 10 minutes).
2. Meanwhile, prep your onion and potatoes. You can peel the potatoes like I did, or scrub them and leave them unpeeled if you prefer.
3. Once the bacon is done, take it out of the pot and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about two tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot (it’s fine to eyeball it). Discard the rest or reserve it for another recipe.
4. Add the onion to the pot and sauté it for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
6. Whisk in the milk slowly until the flour has dissolved.
7. Add the chicken broth, garlic, and potatoes. Increase the heat to high. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. When the soup is almost boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot with the lid slightly open. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes.
8. While the soup is cooking, get the cheddar, scallions, and sour cream ready.
9. The potatoes should be quite tender by now. I like to take a potato masher and mash them a little right in the pot, but you can leave them as-is if you prefer.
10. Stir in the sour cream and most of the cheddar and bacon (reserve some for topping). Season with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Top each bowl with scallions, remaining cheddar, and bacon.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• If you want a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes or add a little more flour.
• For an extra creamy soup, add more sour cream or a splash of heavy cream.
• Customize the toppings with diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of paprika, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Use leftover bacon or cook it ahead of time to save even more time.

How to Serve

This loaded potato soup is a meal on its own, but it’s also delicious paired with:

• A side salad
• Crusty bread or rolls
• A sprinkle of extra cheese and bacon on top

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy soup recipe is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Make ahead: Prepare the soup up to a day in advance, but wait to add the sour cream and cheese until you’re ready to serve.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk if needed.

There you have it—a delicious, easy baked potato soup that’s ready in no time! It’s the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner ideas or a cozy weekend meal. Let me know in the comments how you customize it—I’d love to hear your ideas!