Get ready to indulge in a comforting and delectable loaded baked potato soup. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. This creamy soup combines the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a touch of sour cream.
Perfect for chilly weather, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Creamy loaded baked potato soup ready in less than 30 minutes, serving 8 people
- Hearty American cuisine dish with 502 calories per serving
- Combines crispy bacon, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, melted cheddar, and sour cream
- Comforting, crowd-pleasing dish with balanced blend of textures and tastes
- Highly rated recipe with 4.98 out of 5 stars from 877 votes
Why This Loaded Baked Potato Soup Will Become Your Favorite
This creamy potato soup is a hit in your kitchen. It’s thick, cheesy, and full of comfort. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Restaurant-Quality Results at Home
It’s loaded with creamy potato goodness and all the toppings. The secret is the perfect mix of ingredients. It makes a rich, flavorful soup.
Perfect for Cold Weather Comfort
On a chilly day, nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy potato soup. It’s designed to warm you up with its thick texture and tasty toppings.
Ready in Under 30 Minutes
Forget long simmering times. This cheesy potato soup is quick and easy. It’s ready fast, thanks to simple prep and clear instructions.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Potato Soup
Making a tasty potato soup needs a few key ingredients. The base of this comforting dish is bacon potato soup essentials like russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy base. Here are the must-have ingredients for the best hearty soup recipes:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of milk (a mix of whole milk and 1%)
- 2 cups of chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (mild and sharp)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)
This mix of ingredients creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Your bacon potato soup will quickly become a favorite. You can also adjust the cheese and toppings to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 8 slices |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| All-Purpose Flour | ⅓ cup |
| Milk | 4 cups (whole and 1%) |
| Chicken Stock | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups (mild and sharp) |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup |
| Russet Potatoes | 4 medium |
| Chopped Fresh Chives (optional) | As desired |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious bacon potato soup. It will warm your heart and excite your taste buds.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make a creamy and flavorful winter soups or easy soup recipes like loaded baked potato soup, you need some basic tools. Start with a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking the soup. Also, a skillet is useful for cooking the bacon and sautéing the onions.
Must-Have Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 4-quart capacity)
- Skillet
- Microwave or oven (for cooking the potatoes)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Optional But Helpful Equipment
While not essential, some extra tools can help a lot when making your winter soups or easy soup recipes:
- Potato masher or immersion blender (for adjusting the soup’s consistency)
- Paper towel-lined plate (for draining the cooked bacon)
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make a tasty and cozy loaded baked potato soup in your kitchen.
How to Prepare Your Potatoes for the Best Results
To get the perfect creamy texture in your potato soup recipes, how you prepare the potatoes matters a lot. Here’s the right way to do it:
- Start by piercing the potatoes many times with a fork. This lets steam out, so the potatoes don’t burst.
- Then, microwave the potatoes for 12-15 minutes or until they’re soft when you poke them with a fork. Or, you can bake them in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
- After cooking, let the potatoes cool a bit. Then, halve them and remove the skins. This makes your creamy potato soup smooth and creamy.
- Finally, cut the potatoes into chunks and you’re all set to add them to your soup.
The secret to a velvety potato soup recipes is choosing the right potato. Yukon Gold potatoes are the best, with their creamy texture and high starch content making the soup creamy.
By following these easy steps, you’ll make a creamy potato soup that will wow everyone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Get ready to enjoy a warm and creamy loaded baked potato soup perfect for cold weather. This recipe will show you how to make a top-notch potato soup at home.
Preparing the Base
Begin by cooking 3 slices of chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven until it’s crispy. Keep the bacon fat for sautéing the aromatics. Then, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the bacon fat over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
Creating the Creamy Texture
Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the sautéed onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes. This step removes any raw flour taste. Then, pour in 3 cups of milk, 2 cups of half-and-half, and 4 cups of chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
Adding the Final Touches
When the base is ready, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon. Then, add 3 cups of diced Yukon Gold or russet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Your delicious loaded baked potato soup is now ready to serve. Serve the soup in bowls and top with more shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and a dollop of sour cream, if you like. Enjoy this comforting easy soup recipe with your loved ones.
Customizing Your Soup with Delicious Toppings
One of the best parts about a hearty cheesy potato soup or bacon potato soup is the ability to customize it. You can add a variety of tasty toppings. This makes each bowl unique to your taste.
Start by saving some shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon for garnish. This adds a final layer of flavor and texture. Also, add a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream and some freshly chopped chives on top.
For an extra cheesy soup, sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top. The heat from the soup will melt the cheese, making it gooey and delicious.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Some tasty options include:
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Crispy fried onions
- Chopped scallions or green onions
- Crushed bacon bits
The possibilities are endless when customizing your cheesy potato soup or bacon potato soup. Have fun trying different toppings to find your favorite comfort bowl.
| Topping | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, freshly grated |
| Bacon | 12 oz, crumbled |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup |
| Chives | Freshly chopped |
Storage Tips and Reheating Instructions
Enjoying this loaded baked potato soup is a treat. It’s creamy and easy to make. You can store and reheat it to enjoy again and again.
Freezing Guidelines
For long-term storage, freeze the loaded baked potato soup. Cool it down first. Then, put it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Best Practices for Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftover comfort food soups in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- When reheating, use gentle heat to prevent separation of the creamy texture.
- Stir the soup occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming.
- Add a splash of milk or broth to thin out the consistency, if needed.
- Top with fresh garnishes like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or green onions for an extra flavor boost.
Follow these tips to enjoy the loaded baked potato soup for longer. It’s a delicious treat you can have again and again.
Expert Tips for the Creamiest Potato Soup
Making the perfect creamy potato soup is an art. With a few expert tips, you can make your homemade soup taste like it’s from a restaurant. Here are some techniques to get that creamy texture:
For more flavor, add a 1/2 teaspoon of powdered chicken bouillon to your soup. This adds a savory taste that goes well with the potatoes’ sweetness.
Using a mix of mild and sharp cheddar cheeses gives your soup a great taste. The sharp cheese adds depth, while the mild cheese makes it smooth and creamy.
You can change how thick your creamy potato soup is. Mash the potatoes well for a smooth soup. Or, leave some chunks for a heartier soup.
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Add Powdered Chicken Bouillon | Enhances Savory Flavors |
| Use a Blend of Cheddar Cheeses | Provides a Balanced Flavor Profile |
| Adjust Potato Mashing | Controls Texture (Smooth or Chunky) |
By using these expert tips, you’ll make a restaurant-style potato soup that everyone will love.
Conclusion
The loaded baked potato soup recipe is a true gem. It’s comforting and hearty, easy to make at home. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a family favorite, perfect for cold days.
Looking to impress guests or just want a cozy dinner? This loaded baked potato soup recipe is perfect. It has a balanced mix of ingredients, from tender potatoes to savory bacon and tangy sour cream. Every spoonful is a harmonious and satisfying experience.
With helpful tips and variations, you can customize this hearty soup recipe to your liking. Want a lighter version or try new veggies and seasonings? It’s also great for leftovers, perfect for busy days or meal prep.