Name: Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups whole milk; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 4 large russet potatoes, baked and diced; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; Optional garnish: chopped chives, extra cheese

Warm up with Loaded Baked Potato Soup, a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and cheesy goodness. This hearty, healthy dinner is perfect for cozy nights, delivering rich flavors with wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending the creamy richness of tender potatoes with the smoky crunch of bacon and the melty goodness of cheddar cheese. This healthy twist on a classic is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep, offering a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal that’s easy to make. Its customizable ingredients let you tweak the flavors or lighten it up to suit your dietary needs, while its one-pot preparation keeps cleanup simple. Serve with a sprinkle of chives and a side of crusty bread for a heartwarming dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it a family favorite you’ll crave again and again.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Bake Potatoes First: Pre-bake potatoes for deeper flavor and easier mashing.
Cook Bacon Crispy: Fully crisp bacon for maximum flavor and texture; reserve drippings for sautéing.
Blend Carefully: Use an immersion blender for a smooth or chunky texture, depending on preference.
Add Dairy Last: Stir in milk and cheese after cooking to prevent curdling and ensure creaminess.
Adjust Thickness: Add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer to thicken.
Prep Ahead: Bake potatoes and cook bacon in advance for faster assembly.

Yield: 8 Servings

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup, a creamy, hearty dish with bacon and cheese, perfect for healthy, cozy dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ tsp salt
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups whole milk
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 large russet potatoes, baked and diced
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Optional garnish: chopped chives, extra cheese

Instructions

Bake Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F; bake potatoes for 45-60 minutes until tender, then dice.
Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes; remove and crumble, reserving 1 tbsp drippings.
Sauté Aromatics: In the pot with bacon drippings, sauté onion and garlic over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until soft.
Add Potatoes: Stir in diced baked potatoes, mashing some lightly for a creamy texture.
Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend partially, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
Add Milk: Stir in whole milk and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine.
Incorporate Yogurt and Cheese: Off heat, stir in Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Add Bacon: Mix in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
Serve with Flair: Ladle into bowls, top with chives, extra cheese, and bacon, and enjoy this cozy soup!

Notes

Pre-baking potatoes enhances flavor; microwave potatoes if short on time (8-10 minutes).
Add dairy off heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Leftovers thicken in the fridge; thin with broth when reheating.
Serve with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete, healthy meal.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 387Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 47mgSodium 585mgCarbohydrates 39gFiber 4gSugar 6gProtein 21g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Potatoes: Russet potatoes create a starchy, creamy base; Yukon Gold adds buttery flavor.
Bacon: Smoky bacon adds crunch and depth; turkey bacon is a leaner option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts smoothly; freshly grated avoids additives.
Milk: Whole milk ensures creaminess; 2% or plant-based milk lightens the dish.
Onion: Yellow onion provides a savory foundation; green onions can substitute for milder flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds bold aroma; garlic powder works in a pinch.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth controls saltiness; vegetable broth suits vegetarian versions.
Greek Yogurt: Adds tangy creaminess; sour cream is a traditional alternative.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and use vegetable broth for a meat-free soup.
Cheese Swap: Use Gouda, Monterey Jack, or vegan cheese for different flavors.
Low-Fat: Replace whole milk with skim milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter soup.
Veggie Add-Ins: Include broccoli, cauliflower, or leeks for extra nutrition and texture.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and toppings are gluten-free certified.
Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a subtle kick.
Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or white beans for a heartier meal.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.
Freezer: Freeze without dairy for up to 3 months; add milk and cheese after thawing.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore consistency.
Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.