The Ultimate Comfort Food for Every Season
Few things compare to the warmth and satisfaction of a creamy, rich, and cheesy loaded baked potato soup. This hearty dish is a perfect comfort meal that brings together the best flavors of a loaded baked potato—bacon, cheese, sour cream, and tender potatoes—all in one cozy bowl. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or you’re simply craving a comforting classic, this soup will never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Our Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe combines convenience and flavor using frozen hash brown potatoes as the base. This saves you the prep time of peeling and chopping while still delivering that smooth, velvety potato texture. Every spoonful is packed with savory ranch flavor, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon bits, creating an indulgent, restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup
To create this luscious and hearty soup, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1–2 lb bag frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded or diced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
- 1 (32 oz) container of chicken broth
- 1 package of ranch seasoning mix
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste
- 1 bag of real bacon bits (buy the large bag—use half for cooking and save half for garnish)
- 1 (16 oz) bag of shredded cheese (or shred a block of your favorite variety—Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack work beautifully)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- Reserved bacon bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Set your slow cooker to high heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Add the frozen hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Cook Until Perfectly Tender
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, stirring every hour. This helps the ingredients blend and prevents sticking on the sides. As it cooks, the potatoes will soften, and the soup will thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Bacon
After about 3 hours, stir in the cream cheese and half of the bacon bits. Continue cooking for the final hour, allowing the cream cheese to melt completely into the soup. This gives it that irresistible silky, creamy texture.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the soup is fully cooked and thickened, gradually stir in the shredded cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning for that perfect balance.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Flavor Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this loaded baked potato soup is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your taste:
- Add protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or crumbled sausage for a heartier meal.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Go vegetarian: Substitute the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth with cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth.
- Add veggies: Mix in chopped broccoli, corn, or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
- Use different cheeses: Try smoked Gouda, Pepper Jack, or Swiss for a gourmet twist.
Tips for the Perfect Potato Soup
- Use frozen hash browns for convenience—they cook evenly and give a creamy texture.
- Do not add cream cheese too early. Adding it too soon can cause separation or curdling.
- Stir frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking to the slow cooker sides.
- Thicker consistency: Mash some of the cooked potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a creamier finish.
- Thinner consistency: Add extra broth or milk to loosen the soup if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
- A crisp garden salad for a lighter side
- Roasted vegetables for added nutrition
- Grilled sandwiches for a full meal experience
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 960mg
Note: Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup can easily be prepared ahead of time or stored for later use:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
- Freeze: Allow soup to cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why This Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
This easy slow cooker loaded baked potato soup combines convenience with indulgent flavor. It’s an excellent meal for busy families, gatherings, or meal prep. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels like it simmered all day on the stove.
The combination of creamy potatoes, ranch seasoning, bacon, and melted cheese hits all the right notes of comfort and satisfaction. It’s the kind of recipe that earns rave reviews and repeat requests at family dinners.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Bowl of Comfort
Every bite of this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. From its creamy texture to the savory bacon and melted cheese topping, this dish delivers comfort in every spoonful. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this soup will always hit the spot.
If you’re ready to treat yourself to the ultimate comfort meal, gather your ingredients and start cooking—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!