Why You’ll Love This
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with all the flavors of a loaded baked potato. Tender potatoes are simmered in a creamy broth and topped with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh green onions. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners, cold days, or whenever you want a satisfying bowl of homemade soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup
● 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
● 4 slices bacon, chopped
● 2 tablespoons butter
● 1 small onion, diced
● 3 cloves garlic, minced
● ¼ cup all-purpose flour
● 4 cups chicken broth
● 1 cup milk
● 1 cup heavy cream
● 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
● ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings
● ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
● ¼ cup sour cream
● 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
● Extra crispy bacon bits
Preparation Instructions
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Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot. -
Sauté the Aromatics
Add butter and diced onion to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. -
Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a thick paste. -
Add the Broth
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. -
Add the Potatoes
Stir in the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. -
Add Dairy Ingredients
Stir in milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Mash for Texture
Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot to create a thicker, creamier soup while leaving some chunks. -
Season the Soup
Add salt and black pepper to taste. -
Serve with Toppings
Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot or Dutch oven
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Knife and cutting board
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Potato peeler
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Wooden spoon
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Potato masher
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Measuring cups and spoons
Tips
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Use russet potatoes: They break down easily and create a creamy soup texture.
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Don’t skip the roux: It helps thicken the soup and adds richness.
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For extra smoky flavor: Use smoked bacon or smoked cheddar cheese.
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Make it lighter: Replace heavy cream with extra milk.
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Blend for smoothness: Use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother soup.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread.
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Pair with a simple green salad.
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Add extra toppings like jalapeños, chives, or shredded chicken.
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Enjoy with buttermilk biscuits or cornbread.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Potato soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture may slightly change due to dairy.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little milk or broth if the soup becomes too thick.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes. It reheats well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
2. How do I thicken potato soup?
Mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that captures all the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato in one satisfying bowl. With crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender potatoes, it’s perfect for cozy meals and family dinners. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, this soup is sure to become a favorite comfort recipe.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 420 kcal
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Protein: 14 g
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Carbohydrates: 35 g
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Fat: 25 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 620 mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used. 🥔🥣🧀
