I make potato soup when the day feels gray and I need a bowl that hugs back. This creamy potato soup stays thick yet light on the tongue and it comes together on the stovetop with a few pantry friends. Think tender potatoes, melty cheddar, and a spoon that keeps going back for one more scoop of soup. Here is my simple potato soup recipe that cooks steady and never asks for fancy moves. It is a potato soup recipe stovetop that tastes like a baked potato with all the good stuff on top. If you ever tried the chicken salad chick potato soup recipe and wanted that same comfort at home, this version gets close and keeps things easy. We swirl in a touch of sour cream for body and we finish with bacon, chives, and sharp cheddar. You could even spoon some warm leftovers next to chips as a baked potato dip recipe. Grab a ladle and join me at the pot. Dinner is mellow, cozy, and ready.

1) Key Takeaways

I call this potato soup my warm sweater in a bowl. It cooks steady on the stovetop and gives rich flavor without fuss. Thick body comes from mashed potatoes right in the pot. The finish brings bacon cheddar and chives. We sip and smile.

The method stays simple and friendly. We brown bacon. We soften onion and garlic. We simmer potatoes until tender. We fold in milk sour cream and cheese. We taste and adjust. That is it.

Leftovers reheat like a dream. The texture holds. The flavor deepens. It works for weeknights and game day. Linda at Cook Daily Recipe makes it often when the house asks for comfort.

2) Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

When a chilly wind moves in I reach for potato soup twice. Potato soup anchors the meal and steadies my mood. The pot hums and the kitchen smells like cheddar and onion. I work with pantry basics and a calm pace. You get creamy spoonfuls without a long list or tricky steps. This cozy bowl tastes like a baked potato with the works and it hits the table fast.

I start with bacon for crunch and smoky notes. I leave the drippings in the pot so every vegetable picks up that flavor. Flour thickens the broth in a gentle way. Milk keeps the base soft and smooth. A scoop of sour cream adds body and a little tang.

If you crave creamy potato soup this version earns a spot in your regular rotation. It is a simple potato soup recipe that respects your time. It is a potato soup recipe stovetop so no gadgets or pressure valves. Just a pot a spoon and a hungry crowd.

3) Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Russet potatoes I peel and cube them small so they soften fast and mash easy in the pot which gives the soup its creamy feel.

Thick cut bacon I cook it first for crisp bits on top and for drippings that build flavor at the start of the cook.

Unsalted butter I melt it with the drippings so onion softens slow and sweet without browning hard.

Yellow onion I dice it fine so it blends into the base and brings gentle savory depth in every bite.

Garlic I mince two cloves and stir them near the end of the saute so they smell bright and never turn bitter.

All purpose flour I sprinkle it over the onions and cook a minute so the soup thickens clean with no raw taste.

Chicken broth I whisk it in to lift the fond and to carry the potato flavor through the bowl.

Whole milk I pour it in for a soft finish that stays light on the tongue while still feeling rich.

Sour cream I fold in a cup for body and a mellow tang that plays well with cheddar.

Sharp cheddar I shred it fresh so it melts smooth and brings that classic baked potato taste.

Fresh chives I chop them fine for a green pop that wakes up the creamy base.

Kosher salt and black pepper I season in small pinches and taste until the spoon sings.

4) How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1 Cook chopped bacon in a heavy pot over medium heat until crisp then move it to a plate and keep two spoonfuls of drippings in the pot.

Step 2 Add butter and diced onion and stir until the onion turns soft and sweet then add minced garlic for one minute.

Step 3 Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for one minute so the flour cooks and turns glossy.

Step 4 Whisk in chicken broth a splash at a time scraping the bottom clean then add potato cubes and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5 Simmer until potatoes turn tender about fifteen minutes then lightly mash some of them right in the pot for body.

Step 6 Pour in milk and stir in sour cream half the cheddar and half the bacon then season with salt and pepper.

Step 7 Warm until steamy then ladle into bowls and top with more cheddar bacon and chives.

5) Tips for Making Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Use small potato cubes so the simmer stays short and the mash blends smooth. Fresh shredded cheddar melts better than a bag. Taste the soup after the cheese goes in since salt levels shift.

Keep the heat gentle once milk and sour cream join the pot. A soft simmer keeps the base silky. If the soup looks too thick add a small splash of broth and stir.

For a creamy potato soup finish blend a cup in a blender and pour it back. For a simple potato soup recipe feel skip the blender and mash with a potato masher. For a potato soup recipe stovetop that leans smoky add a pinch of smoked paprika.

6) Making Loaded Baked Potato Soup Ahead of Time

I often cook the base one day and finish with cheese and bacon the next. The flavors marry in the fridge and the texture stays lush. Store the crisp bacon in a small container so it keeps its snap.

Reheat the soup over low heat and stir often. Add a splash of milk to loosen. When it steams fold in fresh cheddar for the best melt.

If you plan a party batch make two pots and keep one covered. Rotate bowls from the covered pot so every serving stays hot and creamy. Guests will ask for seconds.

7) Storing Leftover Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Cool the soup then spoon it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for three days. The flavor deepens and the texture stays kind.

For the freezer skip the cheese and sour cream in the base. Freeze the soup up to two months. Thaw in the fridge then reheat and stir in dairy and cheese fresh.

Warm leftovers slowly and whisk in a splash of milk if the soup looks thick. Top with fresh chives and a sprinkle of cheddar so each bowl feels new.

8) Try these soup recipes next

9) Loaded Baked Potato Soup