Loaded Baked Potato Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Dish
When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving a comforting, satisfying meal, Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the perfect choice. This rich and creamy soup takes all the flavors of a classic baked potato, including crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs, and turns them into a warm, delicious bowl of comfort. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this soup is a great option for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even as a hearty appetizer for a special meal.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe uses simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry, making it an ideal dish for a last-minute meal. It’s also versatile—add more toppings or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- Water, enough to cover the potatoes
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups milk
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for a little heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (more for garnish)
- 2 strips of bacon (1 for cooking and 1 for garnish)
Preparation:
- Cook the Potatoes:
In a 4-quart saucepan, add the diced potatoes and cover them with water (about 3-4 cups, enough to fully submerge the potatoes). Bring to a medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fully tender, which will take about 10-12 minutes. - Add Flavoring Ingredients:
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the milk, chicken bouillon cubes, diced onions, dried parsley, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if you like a bit of spice). Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let them simmer together for a few minutes to infuse the soup with flavor. - Thicken the Soup:
In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a little water to create a smooth paste (this prevents the flour from clumping). Slowly add the flour mixture into the soup, stirring constantly until it thickens. This step will give the soup its creamy consistency. Once the soup reaches your desired thickness, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Add Cheese and Bacon:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the soup, making it even creamier. While the soup is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Once it’s done, crumble or chop it into small pieces. - Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each one with extra cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon for garnish. You can also sprinkle more dried parsley on top for an added pop of color and flavor. - Enjoy:
Serve the soup immediately while it’s still warm. Enjoy the comforting flavors of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese with every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of soft potatoes, savory bacon, and rich cheese makes this soup incredibly satisfying, perfect for cozy nights.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal fast.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the soup by adding your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chives, or extra cheese. You can also use a variety of cheeses for different flavors.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors are a hit with kids, making it a great choice for family meals.
Tips for the Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Add Toppings: This soup is perfect for customizing with toppings. Try adding crispy bacon bits, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crushed croutons for extra crunch.
- Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this soup because they break down easily and create a creamy texture when cooked. You can leave the skins on for extra flavor and texture, but be sure to scrub them well if you do.
- Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, replace some of the milk with heavy cream or add a bit of cream cheese into the mix.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon cubes and omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.
- Make It Spicy: For those who love a little heat, increase the hot sauce or add some cayenne pepper to the soup.
Conclusion
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of a baked potato with the creamy goodness of soup. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for chilly nights when you want a meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you serve it with extra toppings or just a generous amount of cheese and bacon, this soup will surely become a favorite in your home. Try it today, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal the whole family will love!