Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this classic Loaded Baked Potato Soup Board is one of them. It’s the taste of a snowy afternoon, a crackling fire, and a kitchen filled with laughter. If you love this style of soup, you might also enjoy our easy loaded baked potato soup with chicken and bacon.
It takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. She’d have a big pot simmering on the stove, the scent of potatoes and bacon filling the whole house. We’d all gather around, building our own perfect bowls. That’s the magic I wanted to bring to you today.
This isn’t just a soup. It’s an experience. It turns a simple, creamy potato soup into a shared feast. Everyone gets to dig in and create their own cozy masterpiece.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Soup / Main Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
This dish is my love letter to the loaded baked potato. I remember my dad ordering them at steakhouses when I was little. I was fascinated by all the little bowls of toppings.
I wanted to capture that fun, interactive feeling at home. The idea of a “soup board” came from wanting to share that joy. It turns a weeknight meal into a special, comforting event.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup Board Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Loaded Baked Potato Soup Board Recipe!
Nutrition Information
It’s about gathering. It’s about passing bowls of cheese and chatting while the soup stays warm in the pot. That’s the real tradition here—togetherness.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
We’re keeping it real. This is a stovetop potato soup, just like you’d find in a classic diner or a family cookbook. No fancy tricks, just honest flavor.
The base is a simple roux of butter and flour. This gives it that rich, velvety body that canned soups just can’t match. We use russet potatoes for their perfect fluffy texture.
And the toppings? They’re the stars. Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, fresh chives. This is comfort food at its most honest and satisfying. For a restaurant-style twist with similar flavors, try our Loaded Outback Potato Soup recipe.
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
This is where the magic starts. Every item here has a job, building layers of that familiar, beloved flavor. You probably have most of this in your kitchen right now.
- For the Soup:
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Board:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions or chives
- Extra cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets (optional, but so good!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Don’t let the list fool you—this is one of those easy potato soup recipes that comes together while you set the table. Just follow these simple steps.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the butter to the bacon fat. Once melted, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then whisk in the milk. Add the diced potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. The potatoes should be very tender and the soup should have thickened nicely.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the 1 cup of sour cream until it’s fully blended and creamy. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like.
- Ladle the hot soup into a large, warm serving bowl or keep it in the pot. Arrange all your toppings in small bowls or directly on a large board or platter around the soup. Let everyone build their own perfect bowl!
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A few little secrets make all the difference between good soup and great soup. Here’s how I make sure mine turns out perfect every single time.
First, dice your potatoes evenly. This seems small, but it means every piece cooks at the same rate. No hard chunks, no mushy bits.
Second, let the soup sit for 5 minutes after adding the sour cream. This helps the flavors meld and the soup thicken up just a bit more. Patience is a key ingredient!
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This soup saves beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to get it back to that creamy consistency. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the dairy can separate.
Nutrition Notes
This is hearty, comforting food. Here’s a basic look at what’s in a serving (soup only, without extra toppings).
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
I get asked about this cozy dish all the time. Here are the answers to the most common questions.
Can I make this a quick potato soup in my Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function for the bacon and onions. Add everything except the sour cream. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes, quick release, then stir in the sour cream.
My soup is too thick. What should I do?
No problem! Just whisk in a little extra warm milk or chicken broth, a quarter-cup at a time, until it reaches your favorite consistency. It’s an easy fix.
What’s the best potato for creamy potato soup?
Starchy russets are the classic choice. They break down a little and help thicken the soup naturally, giving it that perfect, hearty texture.
I hope this recipe brings a little bit of that warm, nostalgic feeling to your table. There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal made with simple, good ingredients and a whole lot of heart. If you’re looking to switch up the protein, you must try our delicious baked potato soup with shrimp.
Gather your people, set out the board, and watch the smiles appear. It’s more than dinner; it’s a memory in the making. Did your family have a version of this classic comfort food? I’d love to hear your stories and see your creations! Please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you.
