Paula Deen baked potato soup recipe made with hearty mix of 2½ lbs potatoes, diced bacon, garlic, cream, and green onions. Delicious slow-cooker twist for family dinners.
Ingredients for Paula Deen Baked Potato Soup Recipe
| Ingredient | Amount | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | 4 large or 30 oz frozen hash browns | Peel fresh ones if using |
| Bacon | ½ lb (about 8 slices) | Chopped, for smoky flavor |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced small |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Or stock for more taste |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup | Helps thicken the soup |
| Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | For the roux |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups | Makes it rich and smooth |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups shredded | Sharp or mild, your choice |
| Green onions | ½ cup chopped | For topping |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Stir in or use as topping |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Start with 1 tsp each |
How to Make Paula Deen Baked Potato Soup Recipe
This Paula Deen Baked Potato Soup Recipe takes about 45-60 minutes and makes a creamy loaded baked potato soup recipe that’s hard to beat.
Get Ready:
Peel and dice 4 large potatoes (or thaw 30 oz hash brown potatoes if using those for speed). Chop the onion, green onions, and bacon slices.
Cook the Base:
In a big pot, fry the ½ lb bacon slices until crisp (5-7 mins). Scoop out bacon, leave drippings. Add diced onion, cook soft (4 mins). Melt butter, stir in flour for a roux – cook 2 mins.
Build the Soup:
Pour in chicken broth, add potatoes. Boil then simmer until tender (15-20 mins). Mash some potatoes lightly for thickness. Gently mix in the heavy cream, a good handful of shredded cheddar cheese, a scoop of sour cream, plus salt and pepper to your taste. Heat gently.
Finish and Serve:
Ladle into bowls, top with saved bacon, extra cheese, and green onions for that Paula Deen loaded potato soup touch.
Serving of Paula Deen Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Best Way to Serve It: Scoop it hot into deep bowls. Add extra shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and a spoonful of sour cream right on top. That makes it the classic loaded baked potato soup recipe everyone expects.
Good Sides to Pair With: Go with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad on the side. In colder months, it pairs nicely with grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy meal. Kids often like it with crackers crumbled in too.
Portion Ideas: Serves 8-10 as a starter or 6 as a main. Great for sharing at family dinners or meal prep – just reheat gently.
Storage and Reheating
| What to Do | How to Do It | Quick Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge Storage | Let soup cool, store in airtight container | Lasts 3-4 days. Keep toppings separate |
| Freezer Storage | Portion into freezer-safe bags or jars | Good for up to 3 months. Leave room for expansion |
| Thawing | Move from freezer to fridge overnight | Or use microwave defrost on low |
| Reheating on Stove | Warm over low heat, stir often | Add a splash of milk or broth if thick |
| Reheating in Microwave | Heat in short bursts (2 mins), stir midway | Cover loosely to stop splatters |
Variations of Paula Deen Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Extra Loaded Version: Double the bacon slices and cheddar cheese. Add more sour cream and green onions on top at the end. Makes it feel like the ultimate cheesy baked potato soup recipe for big groups.
Lighter Option: Use turkey bacon instead of regular, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or low-fat milk, and cut the butter a little. Still creamy and tasty, but lighter for everyday meals.
Slow Cooker Twist: Throw everything (potatoes, chicken broth, onion, bacon, cream) into the slow cooker on low for 6 hours. Stir in cheese and sour cream at the end. Perfect for busy days when you want easy Paula Deen potato soup.
Veggie-Friendly Change: Skip the bacon, use veggie broth, and add extra potatoes or some cauliflower. Top with plant-based cheese for a meat-free creamy potato soup recipe Paula Deen style.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 480-550 | From cream, cheese, and bacon mostly |
| Total Fat | 30-35 g | High because of butter and heavy cream |
| Saturated Fat | 16-20 g | Watch this if you’re limiting it |
| Carbohydrates | 35-42 g | Mainly from the potatoes |
| Protein | 12-16 g | Comes from bacon and cheddar cheese |
| Sodium | 850-1100 mg | Bacon and broth bring most of it |
| Fiber | 3-5 g | From potatoes and onion |
FAQ About the Paula Deen Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Q1. How do I make it thicker if it’s too thin?
Mash more potatoes in the pot or cook the roux a bit longer next time. Some add extra flour to the roux for a denser creamy potato soup recipe Paula Deen style.
Q2. Can I freeze this Paula Deen Baked Potato Soup Recipe?
Yes – cool it completely, freeze in portions up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly with a splash of milk so it doesn’t separate.
Q3. Do I have to use fresh potatoes or can I use frozen?
Frozen hash brown potatoes work great and save time in this easy Paula Deen potato soup. Just thaw them first for even cooking.
Q4. What are the best toppings?
Load it with extra bacon slices, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream right before serving, that’s the classic loaded baked potato soup recipe finish.
Q5. Why does my soup taste bland?
Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder while simmering. Taste as you go with the chicken broth and cheese.
I’m Mubbara Ayman, a passionate food enthusiast and recipe creator, born on March 15, 1992. My love for cooking began in my childhood kitchen, watching my mother transform simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes that brought our family together.
Over the years, my passion for cooking grew into a lifelong pursuit. I earned a Diploma in Culinary Arts and trained in multiple restaurants, where I mastered techniques in flavor pairing, creative plating, and global cuisines. My goal is to blend tradition with innovation, making cooking both approachable and exciting for home chefs.
Through Potato recipes, I share tried-and-tested recipes, cooking tips, and creative ideas to help you turn everyday ingredients into mouthwatering memories. Join me on this journey and let’s make every meal special together!
