When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of baked potato soup.

This hearty and creamy soup combines all the delicious flavors of a baked potato — think bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives — into a cozy, filling meal.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a starter for your next gathering, this baked potato soup will surely become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients for Baked Potato Soup

Here’s everything you need to make this rich and creamy baked potato soup from scratch. All the ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and just the right amount of indulgence.

Vegetables & Dairy

4 potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 cups low-fat milk
1 cup half and half
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup sour cream

Meats & Seasonings

8 bacon slices
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheeses & Garnishes

1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

With these simple ingredients, you’re all set to create a creamy, comforting bowl of baked potato soup that everyone will love!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Perfect Baked Potato Soup

Having the right tools on hand makes cooking much easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential kitchen tools you’ll need to prepare your baked potato soup:

Microwave or Oven: To cook your potatoes quickly and efficiently, you can use either a microwave or bake them in the oven. The microwave will speed things up, while the oven provides a lovely roasted flavor.
Large Skillet: For crisping the bacon to perfection, a skillet will help you get that perfect crunch.
Large Pot: A sturdy pot or Dutch oven is perfect for simmering the soup and allowing all the ingredients to come together.
Whisk: You’ll need a whisk for smoothly incorporating the flour and liquids to avoid any lumps.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the soup without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking and blending of ingredients.
Potato Masher (Optional): If you prefer a chunkier texture, a potato masher is perfect for gently mashing the cooked potatoes without turning them into mush.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping your veggies and bacon, having a sharp knife and sturdy cutting board will make prep work easy.

Having these tools ready will ensure that making your baked potato soup goes smoothly, and that you end up with a delicious result!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Potato Soup

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, let’s dive into the process of making this creamy, comforting soup. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect baked potato soup that’s full of flavor.

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

To start, pierce the potatoes a few times with a fork. Then, microwave them for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re tender. If you prefer using the oven, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes until soft. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully halve them, remove the skins, and cut the flesh into chunks. Set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

While the potatoes cook, it’s time to get the bacon crispy and ready. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it’s crisp and golden. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat and discard the rest. Crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces, and set them aside for later use.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the reserved bacon fat, minced garlic, and chopped onion, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes tender and translucent. Slowly whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to form a smooth, golden mixture.

Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Then, add the chicken stock, bringing everything to a light simmer. Stir in the salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Cheese

Once the soup has thickened, it’s time to incorporate the potatoes. Scoop the chunks of potato into the pot, breaking them into small pieces or leaving them chunky, depending on your texture preference. Stir in the mild cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream, mixing until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.

If you like, you can reserve a bit of cheese and bacon to sprinkle on top when serving. Remove the pot from the heat and give everything one last good stir to ensure it’s rich and creamy.

Serving and Garnishing Your Baked Potato Soup

Now that your baked potato soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up! This creamy, comforting soup is the perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or as part of a hearty meal. Here’s how to take it to the next level:

Step 1: Ladle the Soup into Bowls

Carefully ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring that each serving gets a generous amount of the creamy base and potato chunks. If you’ve mashed some of the potatoes, it will help thicken the soup, giving it that deliciously velvety texture.

Step 2: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Top your soup with a sprinkle of the crumbled bacon you saved earlier, a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Fresh chives add a beautiful touch of color and a hint of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. If you like a little extra kick, you can drizzle a bit of hot sauce or add some crispy fried shallots on top.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your baked potato soup immediately while it’s still hot and creamy. The comforting flavors of baked potatoes, cheese, and bacon come together in every spoonful, creating a soup that’s truly satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a side salad or crusty bread, this soup will definitely become a go-to favorite.

Storage Tips for Baked Potato Soup

If you have leftovers (though they may be rare!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Store your leftover baked potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or chicken stock to restore its creamy texture.
Freezing: While this soup can be frozen, the texture may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.