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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Bacon – Easy & Creamy

loaded baked potato soup with bacon - featured image

This creamy, rich loaded baked potato soup with bacon is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a clever shortcut using evaporated milk, it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a cold Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, let cool, then crumble. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add the cubed potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes.
  4. Remove the pot from heat. Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency using a potato masher or immersion blender. Stir in the evaporated milk until well combined.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and reserved bacon crumbles. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the bacon; low and slow renders the fat best. Avoid over-mashing the potatoes to prevent a gluey texture. The soup thickens as it cools; add extra broth or milk to adjust consistency. For best results, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, potato soup with bacon, creamy potato soup, easy potato soup, comfort food soup