Introduction

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. This soup takes the deliciousness of baked potatoes and turns it into a warm bowl of goodness. Perfect for chilly nights, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please everyone!

Why Make This Recipe

This soup is not just tasty but also incredibly filling. If you’re looking for something that warms you up from the inside out, this is it! Plus, it’s really simple to prepare and cooks in about 30 minutes. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup brings smiles to the table.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:

4 potatoes, scrubbed
8 bacon slices
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and let it drain on paper towels, leaving some bacon drippings in the pot.
Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened.
Dice the scrubbed potatoes and add them to the pot with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and half of the cooked bacon.
Use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, remaining bacon, and chopped green onions.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Serve this delicious soup hot in a bowl. You can add dollops of sour cream, more cheese, or even a sprinkle of herbs on top for extra flavor. Make sure to have some crusty bread on the side for dipping!

How to Store Loaded Baked Potato Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it on low heat to keep the cream from separating.

Tips to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
Feel free to use any cheese you love, like mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick!
If you like a thicker soup, you can add a bit of mashed potato flakes.

Variation

You can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other toppings like mushrooms or sautéed spinach for added nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of potato for this soup?
Yes, you can use any type of potato, but Russet potatoes are best for a creamy texture.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure your bacon is gluten-free, this soup is safe for gluten-free diets.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this soup in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.