Bennigan’s Ultimate Baked Potato Soup Recipe

On a cold winter evening in Humble, Texas, I first tasted Bennigan’s famous potato soup, and it forever changed my expectations of what potato soup could be. This isn’t just any potato soup – a creamy, rich bowlful of comfort that captures all the best parts of a loaded baked potato in every spoonful. Today, I’m sharing my perfected copycat version of this beloved restaurant classic.

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Why you’ll love this recipe

• No heavy cream needed for rich results
• Restaurant-quality soup at home
• Perfect balance of creamy and chunky textures
• Customizable toppings
• Make-ahead friendly
• Budget-friendly comfort food

Why this recipe works

I adore this soup recipe because of its versatility! You can serve it in many ways and add other toppings to your baked potatoes. It is such an easy recipe to customize.

Nevertheless, I love making it just as the restaurant does. Moreover, the most time-consuming part is preparing and baking the potatoes, which can be done in advance. The actual process of making the soup is super quick and easy.

This soup is creamy and rich, despite being made with milk rather than cream.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

• Russet potatoes – provide the hearty base and creamy texture
• Butter – creates a rich flavor and a base for roux
• All-purpose flour– works with butter to thicken the soup
• White onions – add sweet, savory depth
• Garlic – provides aromatic foundation
• Chicken broth – creates a flavorful liquid base
• Whole milk – adds creaminess without heavy cream
• Salt – enhances all flavors
• Black Pepper – adds subtle heat and depth
• Shredded Cheddar cheese – adds a sharp, creamy finish
• Bacon crumbles – provide smoky crunch
• Scallions – adds fresh, oniony bite and color

How to Make Baked Potato Soup

1. Bake potatoes at 400°F for one hour or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Peel the potatoes when they are cool enough to handle.
3. Melt butter in a 4 to 6-quart pot over medium-low heat.
4. Stir in onions and garlic, cover, and sauté until softened, but not browned.
5. Add the flour, stir, and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
6. Add two-thirds of the potatoes and mash with a potato masher.
7. Add broth, milk, salt, and pepper to the potato mixture.
8. Bring to a low simmer, stirring occasionally.
9. Chop the remaining potatoes into small cubes.
10. Add the potato bite size pieces to the soup and stir gently.
11. Cook until the cut potatoes are warmed through.
12. Sprinkle each serving with cheese, bacon, and scallions.

CopyKat Tip: If youare short on time, try baking your potatoes in the microwave by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Many new microwave ovens now feature a baked potato button.

What to serve with this soup

My version of Bennigan’s Ultimate Baked Potato Soup can be served as an appetizer to accompany a grilled or smoked steak dinner, or as a lunch with a side of a sandwich or a crusty, buttered baguette.

Luckily, it works with a wide variety of foods, so you don’t have to think too hard about what will taste good with it. It also tastes phenomenal when paired with a soup and salad combo, as the salad’s refreshing ingredients contrast nicely with the rich soup.

Storage & reheating instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the refrigerator
• Reheating Method: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if the soup has thickened too much. Microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through
• Freezing: Freeze soup and bacon separately for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight before reheating

More Potato Soup Recipes

• Country Potato Soup
• Houston’s Potato Soup
• O’Charley’s Potato Soup
• Panera Bread Potato Soup
• Copycat Chilis Baked Potato Soup
• Old Fashioned Minestrone Soup

Favorite Soup Recipes

• Celery Soup
• She-Crab Soup
• Southwestern Chicken Soup
• Steak Soup

Love Bennigan’s? Try these copycat recipes!

• Bennigan’s Monte Cristo
• Creamy Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe
• Restaurant Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Check out my healthy soup recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes here on CopyKat.com!

This recipe was adapted from a Woman’s Day Magazine recipe spotted by fellow viewer Christina.