Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup: 5-Step Delicious Recipe

1. Introduction: Craving Panera’s Baked Potato Soup?

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to chase away the chills, and Panera Bread’s legendary baked potato soup has always been a fan favorite. That perfectly creamy texture, the rich potato flavor, and those irresistible toppings make it pure comfort in a bowl. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my definitive copycat recipe for Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup.

Get ready to recreate that beloved café experience right in your own kitchen! This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and tastes just like the real deal. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any season, but especially delightful on a cool evening.

2. Why This Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup Recipe is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another potato soup recipe; it’s a meticulously crafted copycat that captures the essence of Panera’s original. You’ll achieve that signature creamy consistency and robust flavor profile that makes it so unforgettable. Plus, making it at home means you can customize it to your heart’s content!

It’s a fantastic easy soup recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend lunch. Imagine savoring a rich, flavorful baked potato soup without even leaving your house. This recipe truly brings the Panera magic home.

3. Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

The beauty of this creamy soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Make sure you have these on hand to get started on your delicious journey. Freshness makes all the difference in a truly exceptional winter soup.

6 medium Russet potatoes, about 2.5 lbs (peeled and diced)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat)
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: extra shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions

4. 5-Step Recipe: How to Make Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup

Follow these easy steps to create your own bowl of culinary perfection. This quick soup recipe will have you enjoying restaurant-quality comfort in no time. For more tips on crafting amazing soups, See others recipes here .

4.1. Step 1: Prepare the Base Ingredients

Begin by peeling and dicing your Russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot and cover with lightly salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
While the potatoes cook, fry the bacon slices in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot.

4.2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the reserved bacon fat in the pot and sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4.3. Step 3: Build the Soup’s Flavor

Melt the butter with the onion and garlic. Once melted, gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
Drain the cooked potatoes and add them to the soup mixture. Mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture. This is key to a hearty baked potato soup.

4.4. Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to heat gently until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Do not boil after adding the cream and cheese.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and cheese will add saltiness.

4.5. Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Ladle the warm Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup into bowls.
Garnish each serving with crumbled bacon, the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream (if desired), and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Panera soup copycat!

5. Expert Tips & Delicious Variations

To truly master this potato soup recipe, consider these pro tips. Using good quality ingredients elevates the flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite add-ins!

Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content, which helps thicken the soup beautifully. Yukon Golds can also work for a slightly creamier, less starchy result.
For Extra Flavor: Roast your potatoes before adding them to the soup for an even deeper, nuttier flavor profile, mimicking a true “baked” potato.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. A swirl of smoked paprika can add a nice smoky depth.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
Thicker or Thinner: Adjust the consistency by adding more broth for a thinner soup, or simmering longer for a thicker one.

For more culinary inspiration and fantastic dinner ideas, check out Serious Eats, an excellent resource for food enthusiasts.

6. Serving Suggestions: What to Enjoy with Your Soup

This rich and satisfying creamy soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. A crisp side salad or some crusty bread is all you need to complete the experience. The classic pairing makes this a truly satisfying meal.

Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that delicious soup.
Side Salad: A light, tangy green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Sandwich Halves: Just like at Panera, a grilled cheese or a simple deli sandwich makes a great companion.
Cornbread: A warm slice of homemade cornbread adds a rustic, comforting touch.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I freeze Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup?

While you can freeze potato soup, dairy-based soups like this one can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed and reheated. To minimize this, cool the soup completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and you may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore its consistency.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken the soup, you can either simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some liquid to evaporate, or create a slurry by whisking a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water and stirring it into the simmering soup until desired thickness is reached. To thin it out, simply add more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.

What are the best potatoes to use for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this recipe. Their high starch content breaks down beautifully, contributing to the creamy texture of the soup while still allowing for some delightful chunks. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good secondary option, offering a slightly waxier texture and a naturally buttery flavor, but they won’t thicken the soup quite as much as Russets.