Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m SO excited to share one of my absolute favorites with you: Loaded Baked Potato Soup! This isn’t your average soup, okay? Think creamy, cheesy potato goodness, loaded with all the fixings you love on a baked potato.
I remember one chilly evening, raiding my fridge and pantry, trying to come up with something comforting. I had leftover baked potatoes and, well, the rest is delicious history! This Loaded Baked Potato Soup was a total happy accident, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen.
It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, seriously. Forget boring meals – this soup turns any night into a special occasion. Get ready for a flavor adventure, because this Loaded Baked Potato Soup is about to rock your world. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t be shy with the toppings – that’s where the magic happens! You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip.
- 4 large baked potatoes, cooked and cubed: The base of our creamy potato soup dreams!
- 4 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that extra-rich creaminess. No worries if you don’t have this, I use half and half all the time in my Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because cheese makes everything better, right?
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon: Salty, smoky, and utterly irresistible.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: For a fresh, zesty bite.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps sauté our veggies.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Aromatic and flavorful.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- Sour cream, for topping: The perfect tangy counterpoint.
- Optional: hot sauce, for topping: I love adding extra hot sauce to my creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup for that extra kick!
Here’s my Loaded Baked Potato Soup secret that takes it from good to incredible: roasting the garlic before adding it to the soup. It brings out a sweetness that complements the savory flavors perfectly. For busy weeknights, I’ll use pre-cooked bacon bits! Store leftover ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s get cooking! This is my favorite part of making Loaded Baked Potato Soup – watch the delicious magic happen! This potato soup recipe is easier than you think! Making this cheesy potato soup from scratch is easier than you think!
Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where the magic starts happening!
Add the Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cubed baked potatoes, salt, and pepper. In my kitchen, this Loaded Baked Potato Soup usually takes about 15 minutes to come together from this point. For another fantastic recipe that’s just as quick, check out this Easy Baked Potato Soup from Salt & Lavender!
Simmer and Blend
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Don’t worry if your Loaded Baked Potato Soup looks a little rustic – that’s part of its charm!
Stir in the Goodness
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. This is where that creamy potato soup texture comes from!
Load It Up!
Ladle the Loaded Baked Potato Soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. A little sprinkle of extra cheddar never hurts either!
Add More Toppings!
I’m talking hot sauce, more cheese, chives, the works! This classic bacon potato soup is a winner with the whole family! Don’t be shy, get creative.
While your Loaded Baked Potato Soup is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! This recipe is a weeknight winner, and you can even prep the potatoes ahead of time to save even more time. I discovered that adding a touch of smoked paprika to the broth adds a depth of flavor that’s simply divine!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Loaded Baked Potato Soup hits the table with all the toppings! It’s the ultimate comfort food experience, and it’s so versatile.
I love to serve this creamy potato soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Grilled cheese sandwiches are also a winning combination! For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad. This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
Presentation is key! Use fun bowls, arrange the toppings artfully, and don’t be afraid to get creative. My friends went wild when I added crispy fried onions on top of this potato soup recipe! This easy potato soup is the best for potlucks!
Leftovers can be transformed into amazing potato cakes or used as a topping for baked sweet potatoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet twist. I’ve experimented with adding different cheeses like Gruyere or pepper jack for a bolder flavor profile.
For a fusion variation, I’ve even added a touch of chipotle powder and served it with avocado crema for a Southwestern kick. This bacon potato soup is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
FAQs:
Got questions about making this Loaded Baked Potato Soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Absolutely! This potato soup recipe is super forgiving and easy to follow. If you can chop veggies and stir a pot, you can make this! You will love this potato soup recipe!
What if I mess up my Loaded Baked Potato Soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up. Even if you over-blend it or add too much of one ingredient, it’ll still be delicious. Trust me, I’ve been there!
How can I prep this Loaded Baked Potato Soup for busy weeknights?
Cook the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also chop the veggies and crumble the bacon in advance. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just throw everything together!
Can I make this Loaded Baked Potato Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon or use vegetarian bacon crumbles. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you like these types of vegetarian options, check out this Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup from Sugar Spun Run!
Can I freeze this Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the potatoes and cream might change slightly. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best results.
What other toppings can I add to this Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
The possibilities are endless! Try adding jalapenos, black olives, sautéed mushrooms, or even a dollop of guacamole.
My Loaded Baked Potato Soup is too thick! What do I do?
Simply add more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
How long does this easy potato soup last?
This cheesy potato soup will last up to four days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.
I’ve taste-tested countless variations of this creamy potato soup, and my family always gives me honest feedback (sometimes brutally honest!). They helped me discover that a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a zing that’s unexpected but delicious!
CONCLUSION:
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup brings me so much joy because it’s the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you love it as much as I do!
My Loaded Baked Potato Soup Flavor Secrets:
- Roast the Garlic: It adds a sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
- Don’t Skimp on the Toppings: That’s where the magic happens!
- Add a Touch of Smoked Paprika: For a depth of flavor that’s simply divine.
I’ve tested so many variations of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. A cheesy potato soup, a spicy black bean soup, and even a cheddar garlic herb potato soup. Each one brings something unique to the table.
For game nights, I always make the classic bacon potato soup. For potlucks, I go for the cheesy version. And for a cozy night in, the cheddar garlic herb version is perfect. Just like this Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup from Sailor Bailey, my easy potato soup is bound to be a success!
Remember, fellow food lovers, trust your taste buds and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. I’m so excited for you to try this Loaded Baked Potato Soup and create your own delicious memories. Happy cooking! 🔥💕
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Enjoy the comforting flavors of a loaded baked potato in a creamy, satisfying soup. This recipe combines tender potatoes, savory bacon, cheddar cheese, and all your favorite toppings for a delicious and hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, baked and cooled slightly
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes until soft. Let them cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh, reserving the skins for another use (or discard).
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the scooped-out potato flesh and cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra creamy soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the toppings. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.