Ultimate Baked Potato Soup

Featured in: Home Comforts

This comforting dish combines tender baked potatoes with savory onions, garlic, and a creamy blend of milk and cheese. Infused with smoked paprika and thyme, it offers a smoky, earthy flavor boosted by optional chives, bacon, or vegan alternatives. Perfect for chilly days, it can be easily adapted to vegan and gluten-free diets using plant-based milks and toppings. Preparation involves baking, simmering, and optional blending for a smooth texture. Serve warm for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:11:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup, thick and creamy with visible toppings. Save
A steaming bowl of The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup, thick and creamy with visible toppings. | snacksplat.com

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

I have made this baked potato soup many times in cold seasons and it always brings warmth and smiles to the table.

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.
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My family loves gathering around with bowls of this soup on chilly evenings sharing stories and laughter.

Notes

For extra richness add a splash of oat cream or drizzle of olive oil before serving. Try mixing in sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic for added depth. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Required Tools

Oven baking sheet large pot potato masher immersion blender (optional) ladle

Nutritional Information

Per serving Calories 355 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 9 g

This rich, comforting The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup features golden, fluffy potatoes in a creamy broth. Save
This rich, comforting The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup features golden, fluffy potatoes in a creamy broth. | snacksplat.com

This baked potato soup is sure to become a family favorite thanks to its comforting flavors and easy preparation.

Recipe Guide

Can this soup be made vegan?

Yes, by substituting plant-based milk, vegan sour cream, and vegan cheese, the dish becomes fully vegan without compromising flavor.

How can I make the soup creamier?

Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup for a smooth, creamy texture or add more milk to adjust consistency.

What are good toppings to enhance flavor?

Chopped chives, crumbled bacon or vegan bacon bits, extra cheese, and sour cream add smoky and fresh notes to the soup.

Is this soup suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients including broth and toppings should be confirmed gluten-free to maintain suitability for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Can I add other vegetables for extra depth?

Sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic can be incorporated to enrich the flavor profile and add complexity.

Ultimate Baked Potato Soup

Comforting winter soup with tender baked potatoes, savory aromatics, and smoky garnishes.

Prep duration
15 min
Kitchen time
45 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll need

Potatoes

01 2.5 lbs russet potatoes (about 4 large), scrubbed

Aromatics

01 2 tbsp 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 ½ cups whole milk or unsweetened plant milk
03 ½ cup sour cream or vegan sour cream
04 ½ cup shredded cheddar or vegan cheese
05 ½ tsp smoked paprika
06 ½ tsp dried thyme
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings (Optional)

01 4 tbsp chopped chives or scallions
02 ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon or vegan bacon bits
03 Extra cheese or vegan cheese
04 Extra sour cream or vegan sour cream

Method

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Combine Base Ingredients: Add mashed potatoes to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine.

Step 04

Incorporate Dairy and Spices: Stir in milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with additional broth or milk as needed.

Step 05

Adjust Flavor and Texture: Taste and adjust seasoning. For a smoother texture, blend partially or fully using an immersion blender if desired.

Step 06

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chives, bacon or vegan bacon bits, extra cheese, and sour cream as preferred.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy; use plant-based alternatives for vegan and dairy-free versions.
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify broth and toppings.
  • Contains alliums (onion, garlic).
  • Check plant-based products for soy or nut allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 355
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 9 g