Ultimate Baked Potato Soup

Featured in: Smoky Dishes

This comforting creamy soup highlights tender baked potatoes blended with sautéed onions, garlic, and a smooth base seasoned with smoked paprika and thyme. Topped with chives, crispy bacon, or vegan alternatives, it offers rich, smoky flavors. Easily customizable for vegan and gluten-free diets, it's perfect for colder days and ready in about an hour.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:04:00 GMT
Steaming hot baked potato soup, creamy and thick, loaded with cheddar cheese and fresh chives. Save
Steaming hot baked potato soup, creamy and thick, loaded with cheddar cheese and fresh chives. | pepperplume.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 quickly became a household favorite during chilly months thanks to its rich flavors and simple preparation.

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 extrasmooth 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 this soup on cold evenings sharing stories and spoons full of warmth.

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.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 355. Total Fat 11 g. Carbohydrates 54 g. Protein 9 g per serving.

A hearty bowl of the ultimate baked potato soup, garnished with crispy bacon and a swirl of sour cream. Save
A hearty bowl of the ultimate baked potato soup, garnished with crispy bacon and a swirl of sour cream. | pepperplume.com

This baked potato soup is a versatile comfort meal that can be customized for all diets.

Recipe FAQ

How do I bake potatoes for the best texture?

Prick potatoes with a fork and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 45–55 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool before peeling and mashing to achieve a smooth texture.

Can I make this without dairy?

Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan sour cream, and vegan cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.

What gives the soup its smoky flavor?

Smoked paprika and optional crispy bacon or vegan bacon bits provide a deep smoky essence that enhances the dish.

How can I adjust the soup’s consistency?

Add more vegetable broth or milk while simmering to reach your preferred thickness. Use an immersion blender for extra smoothness.

What toppings work best with this soup?

Chopped chives, extra shredded cheese or its vegan counterpart, crumbled bacon or vegan bacon, and sour cream variants complement the flavors well.

Ultimate Baked Potato Soup

Creamy soup featuring tender baked potatoes, aromatic onions, and savory smoky toppings, vegan-adaptable and gluten-free.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
45 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Potatoes

01 2.5 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 large), 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 1/2 cups whole milk or unsweetened plant milk
03 1/2 cup sour cream or vegan sour cream
04 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
07 Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings (Optional)

01 4 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions
02 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon or vegan bacon bits
03 Extra shredded cheddar or vegan cheese
04 Extra sour cream or vegan sour cream

Directions

Phase 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 tender. Allow to cool slightly, then peel and roughly mash.

Phase 02

Sauté 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 an additional minute.

Phase 03

Combine Potatoes and Broth: Add mashed potatoes to the pot, then pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine evenly.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Adjust Texture and Seasoning: Taste and modify seasoning if required. For a smoother texture, blend partially or fully with an immersion blender.

Phase 06

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk and cheese); use plant-based substitutes for dairy-free and vegan diets.
  • Naturally gluten-free, verify broth and toppings.
  • Contains alliums (onion, garlic).
  • Check plant-based products for soy or nut allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 355
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 9 g