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Loaded Baked Potato Soup

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This loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate creamy comfort food, packed with baked potatoes, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), scrubbed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for sautéing
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chives or green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: extra cooked bacon, more shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub potatoes, pierce with a fork, and bake on a baking sheet for 45-55 minutes until fork-tender. Cool, peel, and roughly chop.
  2. While potatoes bake, cook chopped bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until crispy (about 8 minutes). Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Leave 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
  3. Add butter to the pot with bacon fat. Sauté diced onion over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until flour is slightly golden.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add milk and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add chopped baked potatoes. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down some potatoes, leaving some chunks. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring often.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with reserved crispy bacon, extra cheddar, chopped chives or green onions, and any other favorite toppings. Serve hot.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. The soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of milk when reheating. Customize toppings to taste. Baking the potatoes gives the soup a deeper flavor than boiling.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, bacon, cheddar, easy soup recipe, winter soup, family dinner, gluten-free option, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/loaded-baked-potato-soup-recipe-best-creamy-comfort-food/