Nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a steaming bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Picture this: a creamy, velvety concoction loaded with buttery potatoes, crispy bacon bits, and topped with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese that melts into gooey goodness. try a flavorful antipasto salad The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a cozy hug on a chilly day, promising comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful.
As a kid, I remember my mom whipping up this dish on particularly cold evenings when the wind howled outside like it was auditioning for a horror movie. We’d gather around the table, bowls in hand and laughter echoing through the air, as we dove into this marvelous soup that tasted like home. Whether you’re curling up on the couch during movie night or hosting family gatherings, this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Loaded Baked Potato Soup offers an effortless cooking experience that delivers big-time flavor.
- Its rich and creamy texture is both comforting and indulgent without being overly complicated.
- The vibrant toppings create an eye-catching presentation that tempts even the pickiest eaters.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a starter or a main dish any time of year.
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for creating that creamy texture we all crave in our soup.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while adding depth to your soup’s flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens; it transforms your soup into a luscious delight that soothes the soul.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor; it’s an essential topping you simply can’t skip!
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully over hot soup, giving it that irresistible richness we all love.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions not only add color but also a fresh zing to balance out the creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste; these staples enhance every ingredient in your delightful creation.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling about four medium-sized russet potatoes. Dice them into bite-sized pieces because no one wants to wrestle with giant potato chunks while trying to enjoy their soup.
Step 2: Cook Those Spuds
In a large pot over medium heat, combine your diced potatoes with about four cups of chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly and cover it. Let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re tender enough to poke easily with a fork.
Step 3: Blend It Up
Once those potatoes are tender, grab an immersion blender (or transfer them carefully in batches to a regular blender). Blend until smooth and creamy—unless you want some rustic chunks for texture; feel free to leave some lumps!
Step 4: Add Creamy Goodness
Stir in one cup of heavy cream into your blended potato mixture. Make sure it’s well combined! If you’re feeling adventurous (and who isn’t?), toss in some shredded cheddar cheese at this stage for extra cheesiness.
Step 5: Season Like You Mean It
Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences—don’t be shy! Taste-test your creation because let’s be honest; nobody likes bland soup.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Ladle your Loaded Baked Potato Soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon bits, more shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or whatever else makes your heart sing!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every delicious spoonful as you reminisce about those cozy evenings spent around the dinner table!
You Must Know
- This creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup delivers comfort in a bowl and makes cold nights feel cozy.
- You can easily customize the toppings, such as crispy bacon or fresh herbs.
- It’s perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying solo with a good movie.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then remove it and use the drippings to sauté onions and garlic. Simultaneously, boil your potatoes until tender for seamless cooking. Finally, blend everything together while gradually adding cream for that dreamy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a healthier twist. You can also toss in some broccoli or cheese for extra flavor. pair with crunchy broccoli salad Don’t forget to play with spices; a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a delightful kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly creamy soup, blend until smooth but leave some potato chunks for texture.
- Avoid overcooking potatoes; they should be fork-tender but not mushy.
- Adding toppings just before serving keeps them crispy and fresh.
There was this one time I made Loaded Baked Potato Soup for a winter gathering, and my friends practically licked their bowls clean! That moment is embedded in my heart, reminding me why I love cooking so much. add crunchy sourdough croutons.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
To make Loaded Baked Potato Soup, you’ll need basic ingredients such as potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, cream, and cheese. Add in some bacon, green onions, and sour cream for that signature loaded flavor. Seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the taste. Feel free to customize it by adding toppings like chives or extra cheese to create your perfect bowl of soup.
How long does it take to prepare Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Preparing Loaded Baked Potato Soup typically takes around 30 minutes to one hour. This includes time for chopping vegetables and cooking the soup on the stovetop. If you prefer a slow cooker method, it might take longer but allows for deeper flavors to develop. Overall, this dish is quick enough for a weeknight dinner while being hearty enough to satisfy.
Can I freeze Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Loaded Baked Potato Soup! To do this, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s best to leave out dairy toppings like sour cream and cheese until reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What are some variations of Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
There are plenty of delicious variations for Loaded Baked Potato Soup! You can try adding different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a healthier version, consider using cauliflower instead of potatoes or incorporating vegetables like broccoli. Adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile of this comforting soup even further. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Conclusion for Loaded Baked Potato Soup:
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a delightful dish that combines creamy goodness with savory toppings. With simple ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s perfect for any meal. Remember to customize your soup with your favorite toppings like bacon and cheese. Freezing leftovers is also an option if you’d like to enjoy this delicious meal later on. Overall, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. This rich and creamy soup features buttery russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all blended into a velvety masterpiece. Topped with green onions for a fresh crunch, this dish warms both the heart and soul. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine diced potatoes with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth. If desired, leave some chunks for texture.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with crumbled bacon, additional cheese, and chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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