Loaded Baked Potato Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, bringing together creamy textures and savory flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine scooping up a bowl of this delightful soup, only to be met with the irresistible aroma of baked potatoes mingling with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for those days when your heart (and stomach) craves something hearty and satisfying. For more inspiration, check out this creamy scalloped potatoes recipe recipe.
There’s a story behind every great recipe, and this one takes me back to cozy family gatherings where laughter mingled with the scent of bubbling soup. My aunt would whip up her famous Loaded Baked Potato Soup, and we’d huddle around the table, bowls in hand, eagerly anticipating that first spoonful. BBQ chicken pairing Whether it’s game day or a simple weeknight dinner, this soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that promises to make any occasion feel special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Its rich flavor profile combines creamy potato goodness with crispy bacon and melty cheese.
- The visual appeal of vibrant toppings like green onions adds a pop of color to your bowl.
- Versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or main dish, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Baking Potatoes: Use Russet potatoes for their starchy texture that gives the soup its creamy base.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth; unsalted allows you to control the seasoning.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances the flavor profile; sauté until translucent for best results.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses a delightful aroma and flavor; use more for an extra kick.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for a comforting base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Provides that luxurious creaminess; you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy, bacon adds a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the potatoes.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add brightness and freshness as a garnish on top of each bowl.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling those lovely baking potatoes. Cut them into small cubes so they cook quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant around five minutes should do it! Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can practically taste the deliciousness.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Add your cubed potatoes into the pot along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat. Allow it to simmer for about twenty minutes or until those potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Blend It Up
With an immersion blender (or carefully in batches if you’re using a regular blender), blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it creamy but still slightly chunky like your favorite pair of sweatpants!
Step 5: Stir in Creamy Goodness
Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously over low heat. Then add those crispy bacon bits (save some for topping) along with shredded cheddar cheese until melted through.
Step 6: Final Touches
Taste test! Adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper before serving hot in bowls garnished with green onions and remaining bacon bits.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful Loaded Baked Potato Soup!
You Must Know
- This creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not just delicious; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Perfect for chilly nights, this comforting dish is easy to whip up and can be tailored to suit your taste.
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by cooking your bacon until crispy, then sauté onions and garlic in the rendered fat. Next, add potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until tender and blend for that silky texture before adding cream and toppings.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes or add cheese for extra creaminess. Want a spicy kick? Toss in some jalapeños! Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings like chives or even sour cream.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your soup has that perfect consistency, don’t skip blending it until smooth after cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
- When reheating, adding a splash of broth can help restore its creamy texture.
Sometimes I make this Loaded Baked Potato Soup when friends come over, and I swear the empty bowls are my favorite feedback! It’s always heartwarming to see everyone enjoying it together.
FAQs :
What is Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a creamy and hearty soup that combines the flavors of a classic baked potato with a rich, velvety broth. This comforting dish often includes ingredients like potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you want a filling meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
How do I make Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
To make Loaded Baked Potato Soup, start by cooking diced potatoes until tender. In a separate pot, sauté onions and garlic before adding vegetable or chicken broth. Combine the cooked potatoes with the broth and add heavy cream for richness. delicious BBQ chicken cheesy chicken dishes Finally, stir in cheese and top with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon or chives for a delicious finish. creamy chicken orzo.
Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare Loaded Baked Potato Soup ahead of time. Make the soup as directed and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed through. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or family gatherings.
What toppings go well with Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Toppings enhance the flavor and texture of Loaded Baked Potato Soup significantly. Popular choices include shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Feel free to get creative with toppings to suit your taste preferences!
Conclusion for Loaded Baked Potato Soup :
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort to any meal. Its creamy texture and savory toppings make it a favorite among many. Preparing this soup is simple, whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep for busy days ahead. With its easy steps and customizable toppings, you can enjoy this dish any time of year!
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for chilly evenings. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender Russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and cube the Russet potatoes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté onions until soft (about 5 minutes) then add garlic for an additional minute.
- Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend the mixture until creamy but slightly chunky using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender.
- Stir in heavy cream over low heat along with crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping) and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving hot in bowls garnished with green onions and remaining bacon bits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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