At first glance, Loaded Baked Potato Soup might seem like just another comfort food, but it’s so much more than that. This creamy, rich soup captures the essence of a classic baked potato, combining all the beloved toppings into one warm bowl. Whether you make it for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a hearty dish for a holiday gathering, this recipe has a unique way of bringing people together around the table. In sharing this dish, I’ve often found that it evokes nostalgia, offering a taste of home with every spoonful.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy, rich soup that captures the essence of a classic baked potato with all the beloved toppings blended into one bowl.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish
- 1/4 cup sour cream, for garnish
- Extra cooked bacon bits, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce each potato with a fork and place directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool slightly, peel, and chop roughly.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Drain excess bacon fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Add butter and chopped onion, sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and add roughly chopped baked potatoes. Simmer on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes.
- Blend the soup with a potato masher or immersion blender to desired consistency.
- Lower heat, stir in whole milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Heat until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with crispy bacon, additional shredded cheese, scallions, chives, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, consider roasting the potatoes instead of baking. You can also add different toppings to customize the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up a pot of Loaded Baked Potato Soup, but perhaps the most compelling is its comfort factor. It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially among kids. An excellent option for a chilly evening, this soup allows you to enjoy all the flavors of a baked potato—think crisp bacon, velvety cheese, and fresh scallions—conveniently blended into a creamy soup.
“This soup is everything I hoped it would be! It’s rich, smooth, and packed with flavor—a true winner in our house!”
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating Loaded Baked Potato Soup is as satisfying as eating it. Here’s a simple outline of the process to set your expectations:
- Bake the potatoes until fork-tender
- Crisp the bacon to perfection
- Sauté onions and garlic for a flavor boost
- Combine the rest of your ingredients and simmer to meld the flavors
- Blend and serve with your favorite toppings
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for a delightful bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup:
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish
- 1/4 cup sour cream, for garnish
- Extra cooked bacon bits, for garnish
You can make ingredient substitutions as needed, such as using turkey bacon or a dairy-free milk alternative for a healthier twist.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pierce each potato with a fork and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced. Once done, allow them to cool slightly, then peel and chop them roughly.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain.
- Carefully drain off excess bacon fat, leaving around 2 tablespoons in the pot. Add the butter to the pot, then toss in the chopped onion. Sauté the onions until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the roughly chopped baked potatoes. Allow the soup to simmer on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using either a potato masher or an immersion blender, blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency—some like it chunkier, while others prefer it silky smooth.
- Lower the heat, then stir in the whole milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Heat until everything is well combined and warm. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, additional shredded cheese, scallions, chives, and a dollop of sour cream.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This soup isn’t just a meal on its own; it can also be a delightful starting point! Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even some garlic knots for dipping. For an elevated touch, you could serve it with homemade croutons or drape a little extra cheese across the top and broil until bubbly and golden.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Should you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it will be the case!), here’s how to best preserve them. Store your soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 1-2 minute increments, ensuring it’s heated through without scorching. If you plan to freeze it, omit the cream and cheese when making the soup; instead, add those ingredients once you’ve reheated your frozen batch.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For a richer flavor, you might consider roasting the potatoes instead of baking them. Simply coat them lightly in olive oil, season with salt, and roast until golden.
- Chop and prep your ingredients beforehand to save time during cooking.
- Use a high-quality chicken broth; it makes a world of difference in the depth of flavor.
Creative Twists
The beauty of Loaded Baked Potato Soup is its versatility. You can easily switch things up by adding different toppings like caramelized onions, jalapeños, or even broccoli for an added nutrient boost. Moreover, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for a smoked Gouda or adding ranch seasoning for a zesty twist. For a vegan option, you can substitute with plant-based milk and yogurt, plus nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Your Questions Answered
1. How long does it take to make this soup? The total time from prep to serving is around 35 minutes—perfect for a quick dinner!
2. Can I use other types of potatoes? Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes can provide different textures and flavors in your soup.
3. Is it safe to freeze Loaded Baked Potato Soup? Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the cream and cheese. Add those when you reheat it for a fresh taste!
By offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not only delicious but also a comforting embrace on a chilly day. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a bowl of warmth that’s bound to inspire smiles all around!