Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Why Make This Recipe
Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is perfect for chilly days when you need something warm and satisfying. This soup is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for families. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably have at home. Enjoy this dish as a meal on its own or as a comforting side.
How to Make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until it is soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells great.
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Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth or slightly chunky, based on your preference. Or, carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender in batches to blend until smooth.
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Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Keep cooking over low heat until the cheese melts completely and the soup is hot, about 5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Before serving, top each bowl with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.
How to Serve Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Serve this soup hot in bowls. You can add some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Garnishing each bowl with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions makes it even more appealing.
How to Store Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
To store leftovers, cool the soup completely, then place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Tips to Make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- For a thicker soup, blend more of the potato mixture. If you prefer it thinner, add more broth.
- You can use other types of cheese for different flavors. Try using gouda or pepper jack for a twist.
- If you want a smoky flavor without using bacon, consider adding smoked sausage or using a bit more smoked paprika.
Variation
You can turn this soup into a loaded vegetable soup by adding vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or corn. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the potatoes and broth.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, just use vegetable broth and skip the bacon. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor.
Q: Can I use different potatoes?
A: While russet potatoes work best for this recipe, you can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and reduce the amount of cheese and sour cream. You will still get a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
