Delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup

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Introduction

When it comes to comfort food that’s cozy, hearty, and packed with flavor, a Loaded Baked Potato Soup stands out as a winner. This creamy, rich soup captures everything we love about loaded baked potatoes—crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a hint of fresh chives—all in a deliciously satisfying bowl. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a chilly evening, this soup is bound to be a crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a staple in your home. Here, we’ll guide you through each step to perfect this recipe and share a few essential tips to make it even better!

Ingredients

To prepare this indulgent Loaded Baked Potato Soup, gather the following ingredients:

  • 6 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare a pot of this delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them for a smoother soup texture or leave the skins on for a more rustic style. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the soup’s flavors well.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot, placing it on a paper towel to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set it aside for later use.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the bacon grease in the pot, cooking it over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent—usually about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Create the Soup Base

With the onions and garlic softened, add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This roux will act as the thickening base for your soup.

Step 5: Add Broth and Potatoes

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you add it to combine it smoothly with the flour mixture. Add the cubed potatoes, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes become fork-tender.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low, and add the whole milk and heavy cream to the pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure the liquids are well-combined. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Bacon

Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (reserving a small amount for garnish), sour cream, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well until the cheese has melted completely, resulting in a creamy, flavorful soup base.

Step 8: Blend the Soup (Optional)

For a smoother texture, you may use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. Blend until it reaches your desired consistency—this can create a velvety, rich texture while still preserving some potato chunks. If you prefer a chunky soup, skip this step.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped chives. Serve the soup hot, savoring the rich and creamy flavors with every bite!

Tips for the Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Use Russet Potatoes for Best Results

Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they offer a starchy texture that holds up well in soups. Their natural starchiness helps to thicken the soup, creating a rich, velvety consistency.

Don’t Skip the Sour Cream

Sour cream brings a tangy richness that beautifully balances the creaminess of the soup. It adds depth to the flavor and enhances the overall texture.

For an Extra Smoky Flavor

Opt for smoked bacon and consider adding a dash of smoked paprika. These ingredients will impart a smoky depth to the soup, elevating its flavor profile.

Adjust the Consistency to Your Liking

If the soup turns out thicker than desired, add more broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered to reduce and intensify the flavors.

Make It Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. This version retains the soup’s creamy texture and rich flavors.

Conclusion

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato in a rich, creamy, and indulgent soup. Perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave something hearty and satisfying, this soup is bound to become a family favorite. From the crispy bacon to the tender potatoes and melted cheese, each spoonful offers an explosion of flavor.

So, gather your ingredients and get cooking! Don’t forget to garnish with extra bacon, cheese, and chives for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, warming soup!

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