There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s creamy, cheesy, and brimming with potato goodness. In this article, you’ll discover how to make a rich and satisfying loaded baked potato soup in a mug right in your microwave. We’ll also share handy tips, nutritious swaps, tasty variations, and helpful answers to common soup questions. Whether you’re a busy student, a work-from-home warrior, or a late-night comfort food lover, this microwave potato soup is ready to warm your soul in just minutes.
Print
Loaded Baked Potato Soup in a Mug
This loaded baked potato soup in a mug is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor. Made in just minutes using your microwave—it’s the perfect cozy meal for one.
- Total Time: 7 mins
- Yield: 1 mug 1x
Ingredients
1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced
¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon cooked bacon bits
1 tablespoon chopped green onion
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Add diced potato and 2 tablespoons of water to a large microwave-safe mug.
2. Cover with paper towel or small plate and microwave for 3–4 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Drain any excess water and mash the potatoes slightly with a fork.
4. Stir in milk, salt, and pepper, then microwave for 1½ minutes.
5. Add shredded cheddar and microwave for another 30 seconds.
6. Top with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onion. Let sit for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
You can use leftover baked potatoes for faster prep.
For vegetarian, skip the bacon or use plant-based alternatives.
To make it richer, stir in 1 tablespoon cream cheese before the final heating.
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Mug Recipes
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Table of Contents
Loaded Baked Potato Soup in a Mug: The Best Microwave Comfort Food
Why I Turned to Mug Soup on a Snowy Night
One winter night in Asheville, we were completely snowed in. No power, no stove, just my trusty microwave—and a strong craving for something hearty. That’s when I crafted my first loaded baked potato soup in a mug using pantry scraps, leftover bacon, and shredded cheese. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting magic, but what I got was creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. From that night forward, it became one of my favorite go-to microwave soup recipes when time is tight and cravings are strong.
Microwavable soup recipes saved me again during a cold I couldn’t shake. I wanted soup—fast—but didn’t want to deal with pots or long simmering times. That’s when my love for mac and cheese in a mug helped inspire an even creamier base for this mug soup variation. With crispy bacon bits and melted cheddar stirred in, this loaded potato soup hits every comfort note in under 7 minutes.
The Rise of Microwave Potato Soup
If you haven’t already embraced the mug soup revolution, this might be your sign. Microwaving potato soup is not only quick but also helps reduce food waste and portion sizes. Unlike stovetop soups that can easily overcook or scorch, microwaving gives you a lot more control. You don’t need a full pantry or even a pot—just a few ingredients and a microwave-safe mug.
Many people love microwave mug quiche for breakfast, and that same method makes rich, cozy lunches like loaded baked potato soup surprisingly easy. Whether it’s for a solo lunch or midnight snack, this mug soup recipe is all about creamy textures and bold toppings, without standing over a stovetop.
Ingredients & Instructions for Loaded Baked Potato Soup in a Mug
What You Need for Microwave Potato Soup Magic
Making loaded baked potato soup in a mug doesn’t mean compromising on flavor. All it takes is a few everyday ingredients and about five to six minutes in the microwave. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium russet potato (peeled and diced small)
- ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cooked bacon bits
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
This mug soup comes together fast, especially when you prep ingredients like pre-cooked bacon or use a leftover baked potato. The creaminess and texture are surprisingly rich, like something you’d expect from a stovetop simmer. For a similar satisfying dish, the protein pancake bowl microwave recipe uses similar microwave magic for hearty texture in minutes.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup in the Microwave
- Place the diced potato in a large microwave-safe mug (at least 14 oz).
- Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the mug with a paper towel or small plate, and microwave for 3–4 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain excess water, then mash the potatoes slightly with a fork inside the mug.
- Add milk, salt, and pepper. Stir well and microwave for another 1½ minutes.
- Stir in the cheese and microwave for another 30 seconds to melt it through.
- Top with sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped green onion before serving.
Let it sit for a minute—this helps the flavors settle. The final result? A thick, savory, and spoon-coating microwave potato soup that feels like it came from a diner kitchen. If you love how quickly it comes together, you’ll probably enjoy the savory speed of my cottage cheese pizza bowl too—it’s another high-protein, microwave-friendly favorite.
Tasty Twists on Loaded Baked Potato Soup in a Mug
Creative Variations for Every Mug Soup Lover
The beauty of loaded baked potato soup in a mug is how easily it adapts to different preferences. Whether you’re dairy-free, vegetarian, or just curious, you can personalize this microwave potato soup with simple swaps. For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use vegan cheese and sour cream. Going vegetarian? Just skip the bacon or try crumbled veggie bacon or sautéed mushrooms instead.
For a fun flavor boost, mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder right after you mash the potato. If you’re already a fan of oreo cake mug recipe, you know how powerful little tweaks can be in microwave recipes—it’s the same here. Small ingredient changes go a long way in mug soup!
Make It a Full Meal With These Add-Ins
Want to bulk up your baked potato mug soup? Add-ins are the way to go. Try stirring in a spoonful of canned corn or frozen peas just before the final microwave blast. They heat up quickly and add great texture. Crumbled cooked sausage or rotisserie chicken can make this soup more filling without much effort.
If you’re feeling bold, blend in a touch of cream cheese for extra richness. Or give it a Tex-Mex spin with a splash of hot sauce and a sprinkle of shredded pepper jack. I sometimes pair it with a quick blueberry muffin in a mug for a savory-sweet combo that hits the spot every time. No matter which version you try, this microwavable soup proves comfort food can be fast, flexible, and delicious.
FAQs About Microwave Soup
Can you cook soup in a microwave?
Yes, soup can be safely and effectively cooked in a microwave. Recipes like loaded baked potato soup in a mug are designed to work beautifully in a microwave-safe mug. The key is to cook in short intervals, stir frequently, and ensure ingredients are evenly heated.
What is the healthiest soup you can eat?
That depends on your goals, but soup made with whole, real ingredients and minimal cream is usually a good pick. This mug soup can be customized with low-fat milk and extra vegetables for a lighter option. Even with toppings like cheese or bacon, it stays portion-controlled, perfect for balanced eating.
Is it good to microwave soup?
Absolutely. Microwaving is one of the fastest and most energy-efficient ways to heat or cook soup. It’s perfect for single servings like this loaded baked potato soup in a mug, where flavor and texture develop beautifully in minutes. The eggless chocolate mug cake is another example of a dish where microwaving enhances convenience without sacrificing taste.
Is it better to boil or microwave soup?
For large batches, stovetop boiling may work better. But for quick, individual meals, microwave soup recipes like this one are hard to beat. You get full flavor, less cleanup, and faster results. Plus, this mug soup keeps portions controlled and waste low.
Wrap-Up: Cozy Mug Soup, Fast Comfort
There’s something magical about a creamy, hot loaded baked potato soup in a mug—especially when it’s ready in under 10 minutes. This recipe brings comfort, simplicity, and customizable flavor all in one cup. Whether you’re craving something cheesy or trying to fit in a warm meal during a busy day, mug soup is your microwavable friend.
Want more cozy recipes, inspiration, or to share your creations? Come join the conversation on Facebook or pin your favorite mug meals from my Pinterest boards. Let’s make comfort food quick, fun, and delicious—one mug at a time.