🔥Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food🔥
When it comes to cozy, hearty meals, nothing hits the spot quite like a Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this soup is like a big warm hug in a bowl. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make with simple, affordable ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this slow cooker recipe will become a staple in your home.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to create the most delicious loaded baked potato soup. We’ll also share cooking tips, storage advice, and answer your most common questions. Get ready to enjoy a rich, velvety bowl of pure comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup
✅ Easy to Make – Dump, cook, stir, and serve — it’s that simple!
✅ Affordable Ingredients – Uses everyday items like hash browns, cream cheese, and shredded cheese.
✅ Family Favorite – Kids and adults alike love this creamy, cheesy soup.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days.
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a pot of this delicious, satisfying soup:
Main Ingredients
• 1-2 lb bag of frozen hash brown potatoes – The star of the show! Shredded or diced hash browns work equally well.
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup – Adds richness and flavor to the base.
• 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese – The secret to a silky, creamy texture.
• 1 (32 oz) container of chicken broth – The base of the soup. You can also use homemade broth.
• 1 package of ranch seasoning mix – Adds a punch of flavor to the soup.
Spices & Seasonings
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – Enhance the natural flavors and give the soup a homemade taste.
Toppings & Garnish
• 1 bag of real bacon bits – Adds a smoky, savory flavor to every bite. (Tip: Use half in the soup and save half for topping.)
• 1 (16 oz) bag of shredded cheese – Cheddar is classic, but you can use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
• Sour cream – For a tangy, creamy finish.
• Optional toppings: Chopped green onions, fresh chives, or a dash of hot sauce.
Pro Tip: Buy a large bag of bacon bits to save money, and use half for the soup and the other half as a garnish. You’ll get that crispy bacon crunch in every bite!
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This recipe is designed to be as simple as possible. Just throw everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
• In a slow cooker, combine the frozen hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, and spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder).
• Stir everything together to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cook on High
• Set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 4 hours.
• Stir every hour to make sure the cream cheese melts evenly into the soup. This will help create a smooth, creamy base.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
• After 2 hours, add the block of cream cheese. Stir to help it melt into the soup. If the cream cheese doesn’t melt completely, don’t worry — it will continue to break down as the soup cooks.
Step 4: Add Bacon & Cheese
• With about 30 minutes left, stir in half the bacon bits and half the shredded cheese. The bacon adds smoky flavor, while the cheese makes the soup thicker and creamier.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with more cheese, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
• For an extra pop of flavor, add chopped green onions or fresh chives on top.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Potato Soup
1. Use Frozen Hash Browns – No need to peel, chop, or prep fresh potatoes. Frozen hash browns save you time and effort.
2. Stir Every Hour – This ensures the cream cheese melts evenly into the soup. It also prevents any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Use Sharp Cheddar – Sharp cheddar adds a more intense cheesy flavor. If you like bold flavors, opt for sharp over mild.
4. Make it Thicker – If you want a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Don’t Overcook – 4 hours on high is the sweet spot. If you cook it too long, the potatoes can become too soft.
What to Serve with Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This soup is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, try serving it with:
• Crusty Bread: Dip it in the soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Adds a buttery, garlicky complement.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the creaminess of the soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
• Freeze: Cream-based soups don’t freeze well due to the risk of curdling, but you can freeze the soup before adding the cream cheese. When ready to eat, reheat and add the cream cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh diced potatoes. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well. Just dice them into small, 1-inch cubes.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, cook the soup in a large pot over medium heat for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Add the cream cheese halfway through, just like in the slow cooker method.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon bits.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! Store the soup in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup Variations
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Healthy Twist: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and swap bacon for turkey bacon.
• Extra Veggies: Add corn, chopped broccoli, or shredded carrots to sneak in more veggies.
Why This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make, this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is it. It’s thick, creamy, and loaded with bacon, cheese, and ranch-seasoned flavor in every bite. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prep.
Plus, since it’s made in a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. The smell of this soup cooking will fill your house with the aroma of comfort food at its finest. Everyone will be asking, “When’s dinner?”
Ready to Try It?
Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with friends and family! Let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below.
Looking for more comfort food recipes? Check out these fan-favorites:
• Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Classic Beef Stroganoff
• Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup will warm your heart and fill your belly. Try it today — you won’t be disappointed!
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