Ultimate Baked Potato Soup

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This comforting soup blends tender baked potatoes with fragrant onions, garlic, and smoky paprika for depth of flavor. The creamy base combines milk and cheese alternatives, creating rich texture. Optional toppings like chives and bacon add brightness and savoriness. Easily vegan-adaptable with plant-based milk and cheese, it offers a warming experience ideal for cold days. Preparation involves roasting potatoes until soft before mashing and simmering with a flavorful broth and aromatic base to build layers of taste.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 13:53:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup, thick and creamy with visible toppings. Save It
A steaming bowl of The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup, thick and creamy with visible toppings. | sunnyspoonful.com

A creamy, comforting winter soup loaded with tender baked potatoes, savory aromatics, and smoky toppings. Easily adapted for a delicious vegan version.

This soup has become a family favorite during cold months, bringing warmth and satisfaction after busy days.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs) russet potatoes about 4 large scrubbed
  • Aromatics: 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter 1 medium yellow onion diced 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Soup Base: 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium vegetable broth 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk or unsweetened plant milk ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or vegan sour cream ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheddar or vegan cheese ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp dried thyme Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Toppings (Optional for serving): 4 tbsp chopped chives or scallions ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon or vegan bacon bits Extra cheese or vegan cheese Extra sour cream or vegan sour cream

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Prick potatoes with a fork place on a baking sheet and bake for 45 55 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool slightly then peel and roughly mash.
Step 2:
While potatoes bake heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic cook 1 minute more.
Step 3:
Add mashed baked potatoes to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer stirring well to combine.
Step 4:
Add milk sour cream cheese smoked paprika thyme salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Simmer 5 10 minutes stirring frequently. Adjust consistency with more broth or milk if desired.
Step 5:
Taste and adjust seasoning. For extra-smooth soup use an immersion blender to blend partially or fully.
Step 6:
Serve hot garnished with chives bacon or vegan bacon extra cheese and sour cream as desired.
This gorgeous photo shows The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup, ready to eat with vibrant green chives. Save It
This gorgeous photo shows The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup, ready to eat with vibrant green chives. | sunnyspoonful.com

Sharing this warm soup has brought our family together on chilly evenings creating cherished memories.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 355 calories 11 g total fat 54 g carbohydrates 9 g protein

Allergen Information

Contains dairy but can be made vegan and dairy-free by using plant-based substitutes. Soup is naturally gluten-free but verify broth and toppings.

Required Tools

Oven Baking sheet Large pot Potato masher Immersion blender optional Ladle

Warm and comforting: A close-up of The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup, perfect for a chilly evening. Save It
Warm and comforting: A close-up of The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup, perfect for a chilly evening. | sunnyspoonful.com

This soup adapts beautifully to different diets while delivering warmth and flavor every time.

Recipe FAQs

What potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture that creates a creamy consistency when mashed.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives and use vegan sour cream for a fully vegan-friendly dish.

How can I adjust thickness?

Add more vegetable broth or milk to thin the soup, or simmer longer to thicken it to your preference.

Are there suggested toppings?

Chopped chives, vegan or regular bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, and sour cream enhance flavor and texture nicely.

Is it possible to add more flavor layers?

Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic for additional depth and richness.

What tools are needed to prepare this dish?

An oven, baking sheet, large pot, potato masher, and optionally an immersion blender are used to cook and blend the soup.

Ultimate Baked Potato Soup

Creamy soup blending tender baked potatoes with aromatic herbs and smoky toppings for cozy meals.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Duration
60 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Free From Gluten

What You'll Need

Potatoes

01 2.5 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed

Aromatics

01 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Base

01 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
02 1.5 cups whole milk or unsweetened plant milk
03 0.5 cup sour cream or vegan sour cream
04 0.5 cup shredded cheddar or vegan cheese
05 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings (Optional)

01 4 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions
02 0.5 cup cooked, crumbled bacon or vegan bacon bits
03 Extra cheese or vegan cheese
04 Extra sour cream or vegan sour cream

Directions

Step 01

Bake Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F. Prick potatoes with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool slightly, then peel and roughly mash.

Step 02

Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 03

Combine Potatoes and Broth: Add mashed baked potatoes to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine thoroughly.

Step 04

Incorporate Dairy and Seasonings: Stir in milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Adjust consistency with additional broth or milk if necessary.

Step 05

Adjust and Blend: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup for a smoother texture if preferred.

Step 06

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives, crispy bacon or vegan bacon bits, extra cheese, and sour cream as desired. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher
  • Immersion blender (optional)
  • Ladle

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy unless plant-based alternatives are used; naturally gluten-free but verify broth and toppings. Contains alliums (onion, garlic). Check plant-based product labels for soy or nut allergens.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 355
  • Fats: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 54 grams
  • Proteins: 9 grams