If you ask me, a good bowl of potato soup is one of life’s simple pleasures.
This Black Angus-inspired baked potato soup brings all the flavors of a loaded baked potato into a creamy, comforting bowl. Rich butter and flour create a thick base that’s perfectly seasoned with garlic powder and a mix of black and white pepper.
It’s topped with crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, and fresh green onions. The white pepper gives it that polished restaurant look while keeping the soup looking creamy and inviting.
It’s a filling meal that feels fancy but comes together without too much fuss, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Potato Soup
- Restaurant-quality at home – This copycat recipe brings the rich, creamy flavors of Black Angus steakhouse right to your kitchen without the hefty price tag.
- Loaded with toppings – Crispy bacon, melted cheddar, sour cream, and green onions make every spoonful feel like a fully loaded baked potato in a bowl.
- Comfort food classic – The creamy, hearty texture and familiar flavors make this soup perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a hungry crowd.
- Make-ahead friendly – This soup actually tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or preparing ahead for gatherings.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
For this baked potato soup, russet potatoes are your best bet since they have that classic baked potato flavor and texture we’re going for. Their starchy nature helps thicken the soup naturally while still giving you those tender potato chunks in every spoonful. If you can’t find russets, Yukon Gold potatoes will work too, though they’ll give you a slightly creamier, less fluffy result. Make sure to scrub your potatoes well before cooking, and you can leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer a smoother soup.

Options for Substitutions
This soup is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps, so here are some options if you need them:
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are your best bet here since they create that thick, creamy texture when cooked. You can use Yukon golds if needed, but avoid waxy red potatoes as they won’t break down the same way.
- Milk: Whole milk gives you the creamiest result, but you can use 2% if that’s what you have. For a richer soup, replace 1-2 cups of milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Butter and flour: These create the roux that thickens your soup, so don’t skip them. If you’re out of flour, you can use cornstarch instead – just use half the amount (about 1/3 cup mixed with cold milk before adding).
- Bacon: Turkey bacon works if you prefer it, though it won’t be quite as crispy. You can also use ham or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but mild cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack all work fine. Just make sure to shred it yourself rather than using pre-shredded for better melting.
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt makes a good substitute if you’re out of sour cream, though it’ll be slightly tangier. Add it at the end and don’t let the soup boil after adding it.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake people make with potato soup is adding the sour cream while the soup is still boiling, which can cause it to curdle and look grainy – always remove the pot from heat and let it cool for a minute before stirring in the sour cream.
Another common error is not cooking the flour and butter mixture (called a roux) long enough, which leaves a raw flour taste in your soup, so make sure to stir it for the full minute until it smells slightly nutty.
When making the roux, add your milk gradually while whisking constantly instead of dumping it all in at once, which helps prevent lumps from forming and gives you a smooth, creamy base.
Finally, don’t throw away those potato skins after scooping out the insides – chop them up and use them as a crispy topping along with the bacon and cheese for extra texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Baked Potato Soup?
This soup is pretty hearty on its own, but I love serving it with a warm, crusty roll or some buttery cornbread on the side for dipping. A simple side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the soup and adds a nice fresh crunch. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider setting up a topping bar with extra bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream so everyone can customize their bowl. You could also serve it alongside a roasted chicken breast or some grilled sausages if you want to make it a more filling meal.
Storage Instructions
Store: This potato soup keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. I like to store the toppings separately so they stay fresh and crispy. The soup actually tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to meld together.
Freeze: You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months, but I’d recommend leaving out the sour cream and adding it fresh when you reheat. Dairy-based soups can sometimes get a bit grainy when frozen, but it usually comes back together nicely with some stirring.
Reheat: Warm it up gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick after storing, just add a splash of milk to thin it out. You can also microwave individual portions, but stir it every minute or so for even heating.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60-70 minutes |
| Total Time | 80-100 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
| Servings | 6 servings |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3700-4000
- Protein: 110-130 g
- Fat: 200-220 g
- Carbohydrates: 330-360 g
Ingredients
For the soup base:
- 2 lb potatoes (pricked and baked)
- 3/4 cup butter (I prefer Kerrygold unsalted for extra richness)
- 3/4 cup flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 6.5 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (essential for that classic restaurant look)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz sour cream (I use Daisy for the creamiest texture)
For the additions and garnish:
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced including the white parts)
- 12 slices bacon (crispy and crumbled into 1/4-inch bits)
- 1.5 cups cheddar
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes and Prepare the Bacon
- 2 lb potatoes
- 12 slices bacon
Prick the potatoes all over with a fork to prevent them from bursting, then bake them at 400°F for about 45-50 minutes until they’re completely soft when pierced.
While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Once cooled enough to handle, crumble the bacon into 1/4-inch pieces and set aside.
This parallel cooking saves significant time and ensures everything is ready when you need it.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Mise en Place
- 2 lb potatoes
- 4 green onions
Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides with a spoon, leaving a thin shell if you plan to serve in the skins (though not required for this soup).
Cut the scooped potato flesh into bite-sized chunks and measure out about 2-3 cups’ worth—you may not use all of it, which is fine.
Thinly slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate for layered flavor.
Having everything prepped and measured before you start the sauce base ensures smooth cooking without interruption.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Roux and Sauce Base
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup flour
- 6.5 cups milk
Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, then add the flour all at once, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste—this creates the foundation for a smooth, silky soup.
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time at first to prevent lumps from forming, then add the rest more steadily, stirring frequently.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens noticeably and reaches a gentle bubble.
I find that using a whisk instead of a spoon helps incorporate the milk more smoothly and prevents lumps from forming.
Step 4: Season and Combine the Potato Base
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- potato chunks from Step 2
- 2 tablespoons white parts of green onions
- half the crumbled bacon from Step 1
- 1 cup cheddar
Add the salt, black pepper, white pepper, and garlic powder to the thickened sauce and stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Stir in the potato chunks from Step 2, along with about 2 tablespoons of the white parts of the green onions, half of the crumbled bacon from Step 1, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
The white parts of the green onions add subtle allium flavor when cooked into the soup, while the greens are reserved as a fresh garnish.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the cheese melts and the potatoes are heated through.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Adjust Consistency
- 8 oz sour cream
- milk
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream, folding it in gently until it’s fully incorporated—adding it off-heat prevents it from breaking or curdling.
Taste the soup and add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency; the soup will continue to thicken slightly as it sits.
I prefer my baked potato soup thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable, so I usually add just a splash of milk, but every preference is different.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
- remaining bacon from Step 1
- green parts of green onions from Step 2
- 1/2 cup cheddar
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving generously with the remaining crumbled bacon from Step 1, the reserved green parts of the green onions (for bright color and fresh flavor), and a sprinkle of the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
The toppings add textural contrast and visual appeal that makes this soup feel restaurant-quality.

Mouthwatering Black Angus Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients
For the soup base::
- 2 lb potatoes (pricked and baked)
- 3/4 cup butter (I prefer Kerrygold unsalted for extra richness)
- 3/4 cup flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 6.5 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (essential for that classic restaurant look)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz sour cream (I use Daisy for the creamiest texture)
For the additions and garnish::
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced including the white parts)
- 12 slices bacon (crispy and crumbled into 1/4-inch bits)
- 1.5 cups cheddar
Instructions
- Prick the potatoes all over with a fork to prevent them from bursting, then bake them at 400°F for about 45-50 minutes until they're completely soft when pierced. While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy and golden, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled enough to handle, crumble the bacon into 1/4-inch pieces and set aside. This parallel cooking saves significant time and ensures everything is ready when you need it.
- Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides with a spoon, leaving a thin shell if you plan to serve in the skins (though not required for this soup). Cut the scooped potato flesh into bite-sized chunks and measure out about 2-3 cups' worth—you may not use all of it, which is fine. Thinly slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate for layered flavor. Having everything prepped and measured before you start the sauce base ensures smooth cooking without interruption.
- Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, then add the flour all at once, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste—this creates the foundation for a smooth, silky soup. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time at first to prevent lumps from forming, then add the rest more steadily, stirring frequently. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens noticeably and reaches a gentle bubble. I find that using a whisk instead of a spoon helps incorporate the milk more smoothly and prevents lumps from forming.
- Add the salt, black pepper, white pepper, and garlic powder to the thickened sauce and stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly. Stir in the potato chunks from Step 2, along with about 2 tablespoons of the white parts of the green onions, half of the crumbled bacon from Step 1, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. The white parts of the green onions add subtle allium flavor when cooked into the soup, while the greens are reserved as a fresh garnish. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the cheese melts and the potatoes are heated through.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream, folding it in gently until it's fully incorporated—adding it off-heat prevents it from breaking or curdling. Taste the soup and add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency; the soup will continue to thicken slightly as it sits. I prefer my baked potato soup thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable, so I usually add just a splash of milk, but every preference is different.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving generously with the remaining crumbled bacon from Step 1, the reserved green parts of the green onions (for bright color and fresh flavor), and a sprinkle of the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. The toppings add textural contrast and visual appeal that makes this soup feel restaurant-quality.