Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, nothing beats a warm serving of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. This hearty soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato. With tender hashbrowns, rich cream cheese, savory chicken broth, and a touch of ranch seasoning, it’s the perfect dish to warm up a chilly evening. Topped with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, every spoonful is indulgent and satisfying. Easy to make in a slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Soup Is a Crowd Favorite

What sets this Loaded Baked Potato Soup apart is the combination of flavors and textures. The hashbrowns provide a hearty base that soaks up the creamy broth, while the cream cheese adds richness without being overly heavy. Ranch seasoning gives it a subtle tang and depth, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Topping the soup with real bacon bits adds crunch and smoky flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy potatoes. The shredded cheese melts into the hot soup, creating a luscious, velvety texture that everyone will love. Whether served as a main course or a side, this soup is filling, comforting, and simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Tips for Making Perfect Loaded Potato Soup

To get the best results, use a large slow cooker and stir the soup every hour while cooking. For extra flavor, choose a block of cream cheese instead of pre-softened, and allow it to fully melt into the soup for a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder according to your taste. Using a big bag of real bacon bits ensures you have enough for both mixing in and garnishing, giving a fresh, smoky bite in every serving. For the cheese, shred it yourself from a block for better melting and flavor. This soup is forgiving, so feel free to adjust ingredients to your liking.

Serving and Storing

Serve Loaded Baked Potato Soup hot with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of sour cream for a classic loaded potato experience. It pairs well with warm bread, crusty rolls, or a simple side salad. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling and maintain the creamy texture. This soup also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating. It’s a versatile, satisfying dish that can feed a crowd or provide comforting leftovers for a few days. Every bowl delivers cozy, flavorful goodness that makes it an instant favorite.

Ingredients

1–2 lb bag frozen hashbrowns
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
1 container (32 oz) chicken broth
1 package ranch seasoning
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (to taste)
1 bag real bacon bits (reserve some for garnish)
1 bag (16 oz) shredded cheese or block cheese of your choice

Instructions

Add hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and spices to a slow cooker.
Cook on high for 4 hours, stirring every hour until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
Serve in bowls and top with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
Optional: add chives or green onions for extra garnish and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes! Combine all ingredients in a large pot, cook over medium heat, and stir frequently until creamy and heated through.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hashbrowns?

Yes. Dice peeled potatoes into small cubes and cook until tender before adding the cheese and cream.

How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicy ranch seasoning mix.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Yes! Store in airtight freezer containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on low heat.