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Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish combining tender russet potatoes, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for any season, this easy-to-make soup delivers a velvety texture with satisfying potato chunks and customizable toppings, ideal for family meals and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 6 strips of bacon
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon and Vegetables: Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy; remove bacon and set aside. In the rendered bacon fat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Cook the Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed russet potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Blend and Add Cream: Using an immersion blender, partially puree the soup to achieve a creamy yet chunky texture. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream, heating gently without boiling.
  4. Season and Add Cheese: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese off the heat to ensure it melts smoothly without curdling.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crispy bacon pieces, chopped chives or green onions, and additional cheese if desired. Serve hot for the ultimate comfort experience.

Notes

  • Use russet potatoes for their high starch content, which gives the soup a perfect creamy yet chunky consistency.
  • Do not over-blend the soup; leave some potato chunks for texture.
  • Add cheese gradually and off the heat to prevent curdling and ensure smooth melting.
  • Save some bacon for garnish to add a crispy contrast.
  • Adjust the soup thickness by modifying the amount of broth and cream to your preference.
  • Potatoes absorb salt well; taste and adjust seasoning at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: Loaded Baked Potato Soup, comfort food, creamy potato soup, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, gluten free soup