There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Chicken Bacon to comfort you on a chilly day. This recipe brings together the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato—think creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon—but with a delightful twist of tender chicken. Perfect for fall and winter, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy flavors and satisfying textures, this loaded potato soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a fantastic option for family dinners or cozy gatherings, and the addition of chicken bacon elevates the dish with a smoky, savory depth. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to create this delicious baked potato soup, from the essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions. Plus, we’ll share expert tips to customize it to your taste. Let’s dive into making this comforting bowl of goodness!
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Category: Soup, Main Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
What You’ll Need
To create this cheesy potato soup, each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why they matter:
Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Chicken Bacon Recipe
What You’ll Need
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Chicken Bacon Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Potatoes: The base of the soup, providing a hearty, starchy foundation that mimics a baked potato.
- Chicken Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory element that complements the richness of the soup while offering a unique twist on traditional bacon.
- Cheddar Cheese: Brings that signature cheesy, tangy flavor essential for a loaded potato vibe.
- Heavy Cream: Contributes to the creamy, velvety texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base, enhancing the chicken flavor while keeping the soup light yet flavorful.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that build a savory depth to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Green Onions and Sour Cream: Toppings that add freshness and a tangy contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
INGREDIENTS
- – 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- – 8 slices chicken bacon, cooked and crumbled
- – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- – 3 cloves garlic, minced
- – 4 cups chicken broth
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- – 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- – 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- – 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
PREPARATION
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash about half of the potatoes to create a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for heartiness.
- Stir in the heavy cream, 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Add half of the crumbled chicken bacon to the soup, reserving the rest for topping. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining cheddar cheese, chicken bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions on top of each bowl.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1/8 of the recipe.
Why Use Chicken Bacon in This Soup?
Chicken bacon is a fantastic alternative to traditional pork bacon in this loaded potato soup. It offers a lighter yet still smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes and cheese. Plus, it’s often lower in fat, making it a slightly healthier option without sacrificing taste. If you’re catering to dietary preferences, chicken bacon can also be a great choice for those avoiding pork.
Can I Make This in a Crockpot?
Absolutely! This crockpot loaded potato soup adaptation is perfect for hands-off cooking. Simply add the potatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Mash the potatoes, then stir in the cream, cheese, and chicken bacon during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’s an easy way to have dinner ready when you are!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover baked potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid freezing, as the dairy content can cause the texture to become grainy.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the best things about this cheesy potato soup is how adaptable it is. Swap out chicken bacon for turkey bacon or even regular bacon if preferred. Add extras like diced ham, broccoli, or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. You can also use different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a unique flavor profile.
Pairing Suggestions for Fall Meals
This soup shines as a star in fall soup recipes. Serve it with a crusty piece of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combo. It’s also a fantastic starter for a holiday feast or cozy dinner party.
Tips for a Creamier Texture
For an ultra-smooth loaded potato soup, use an immersion blender to puree more of the potatoes after cooking. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash less and leave larger potato pieces. Adjusting the ratio of heavy cream to broth can also impact creaminess—add more cream for a thicker, more decadent result.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Use Regular Bacon Instead of Chicken Bacon?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute regular pork bacon for chicken bacon in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly richer and smokier, but it will still pair wonderfully with the creamy potatoes and cheese. Just cook and crumble it the same way, and adjust the amount to your preference.
Is This Soup Gluten-Free?
This easy loaded baked potato soup with chicken bacon is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels, especially for processed items like bacon or broth, to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this baked potato soup a day in advance. Cook the soup up to the point of adding the cream and cheese, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop and stir in the dairy components to maintain a smooth texture. Add toppings just before serving.
How Can I Make This Soup Healthier?
To lighten up this cheesy potato soup, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety. You can also increase the broth-to-cream ratio and add more vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Chicken Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with the smoky flair of chicken bacon. It’s a versatile dish that fits perfectly into your rotation of fall soup recipes, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together. With minimal prep and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ready to warm up with a bowl of this delicious loaded potato soup? Give the recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings or variations. If you loved this dish, be sure to explore more cozy recipes on our site, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!