Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Loaded baked potato soup takes the comforting flavors of a classic baked potato with all the fixings and transforms them into a warm, creamy soup that’s easy to make. It’s a filling meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread. The best part? You can customize the toppings to suit your taste!
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup
For the Soup Base:
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- Water (enough to cover the potatoes in the pot)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups milk (for a richer flavor, substitute one cup with heavy cream)
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes (or substitute with 3 cups chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley (for flavor and color)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds a mild garlic taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (a hint of herby flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a touch of heat)
For Topping and Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or chives
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Small bowl (for mixing flour and milk)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set the potatoes aside, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water in the pot.
2. Sauté Onions and Add Bouillon
Return the pot to medium heat and add the diced onions, cooking until they’re soft and translucent. Add the chicken bouillon cubes (or chicken broth if substituting) to the pot, stirring until the bouillon cubes dissolve. The broth will help enhance the soup’s flavor, giving it that comforting, savory taste.
3. Create a Creamy Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with about ¼ cup of milk until smooth. Slowly add this flour mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Gradually pour in the remaining milk while continuing to stir, creating a smooth, creamy base for the soup. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
4. Season the Soup
Once your soup has reached a smooth, thick consistency, add in the seasonings: dried parsley, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Add the Potatoes and Cheese
Return the cooked potatoes to the pot, gently stirring to combine with the creamy base. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and the soup becomes rich and cheesy. If you like a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions or chives if desired. These toppings add flavor and texture, giving each bowl that classic loaded baked potato feel.
Tips for the Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best as they become soft and creamy when cooked. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a slightly buttery flavor.
- Control the Consistency: For a thicker soup, use more flour, or blend part of the soup with an immersion blender. For a thinner soup, add more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve Fresh: This soup is best enjoyed fresh, as the cheese and potatoes can thicken the soup upon standing. If reheating, add a bit of milk to bring it back to its original creamy texture.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try crispy fried onions, roasted garlic, or even a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
Common Questions about Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. To prevent the soup from thickening too much, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating and stir until smooth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. For best results, add a little extra milk or broth while reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make this soup gluten-free, replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. For cornstarch, dissolve 1 tablespoon in cold water and add it to the soup as a thickener.
Conclusion
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s ideal for cold nights or when you’re craving something rich and filling. With its creamy base, tender chunks of potato, and melted cheese, it’s a family-friendly recipe that everyone will enjoy. Serve it with your favorite toppings and a side of crusty bread for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Grab your bowl, top it off with your favorite garnishes, and dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this easy and delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup!