There’s something magical about a bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Picture this: creamy, velvety goodness that wraps around your spoon like a warm hug on a chilly day. The rich aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds with promises of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and the comforting embrace of fluffy baked potatoes. You can practically hear the soup whispering sweet nothings as it beckons you closer.
This delightful dish isn’t just food; it’s a cozy memory in a bowl. I remember the first time I tasted loaded baked potato soup at my grandmother’s kitchen table. She served it on a snowy evening, and each spoonful felt like a celebration of warmth and love. Now, it’s my go-to recipe for gatherings or those lazy nights when all you want is something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; this soup will have you dreaming of winter nights even in summer!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Each bite bursts with flavor from the creamy base to the crispy toppings
- Its rich colors make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests or family alike
- Plus, feel free to customize toppings according to your taste!
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Baking Potatoes: About 4 medium-sized potatoes work best; look for firm ones without blemishes.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the flavor of your soup better.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely for even distribution.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give an aromatic punch; two cloves should do nicely.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to customize saltiness to your preference.
Heavy Cream: For that ultra-creamy texture that dreams are made of; don’t skimp!
Cheddar Cheese: Shred some sharp cheddar for an irresistible cheesy finish.
Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon bits add crunch and smoky flavor—because everything is better with bacon!
Green Onions: Slice these up for garnish; they provide a fresh pop and color contrast.
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: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prick each potato with a fork. Bake them directly on the oven rack for about one hour until tender.
Step 2: Prepare Your Base
Once baked, let your potatoes cool slightly before peeling and dicing them into chunks. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent—about five minutes—and then stir in minced garlic for another minute.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Toss in your diced potatoes and let them mingle with those beautiful flavors for about ten minutes.
Step 4: Cream It Up
Add heavy cream into your simmering soup while stirring gently. Let it cook for an additional five minutes until heated through—now we’re talking creamy goodness!
Step 5: Season Like A Pro
Season generously with salt and pepper based on your taste preferences. Now’s also the time to throw in half of your cheddar cheese so it melts smoothly into that glorious soup.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Ladle generous portions into bowls and top with remaining cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and sliced green onions. Enjoy every luscious spoonful!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch!
Now that you’ve conquered this delightful Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe, get ready for cozy nights filled with laughter, warmth, and satisfied bellies!
You Must Know
- This Loaded Baked Potato Soup offers more than just creamy goodness; it’s a hug in a bowl!
- With simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up for any occasion
- Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Loaded Baked Potato Soup, start by cooking the bacon to a crispy perfection. While that sizzles, peel and chop your potatoes. Then, sauté onions and garlic before adding everything together for a symphony of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Loaded Baked Potato Soup! Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or add in some broccoli for an extra veggie boost. Experiment with different cheeses or herbs to create your own signature version!
Storing & Reheating
To store your soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use russet potatoes for that classic baked potato flavor and texture, ensuring they are cooked until tender but not mushy
- For creamier soup, blend half of it before serving for a delightful twist
- Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go for perfect flavor
Sometimes I think my family only visits me during winter because they know I’ll have a big pot of Loaded Baked Potato Soup waiting. Their smiles say it all—this recipe is love served warm!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
To make delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup, you will need potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and cheese. You should also include ingredients like bacon, green onions, and sour cream for toppings. Using russet potatoes gives the best texture. Don’t forget to add seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor. You can customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to create a unique twist.
How long does it take to prepare Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Preparing Loaded Baked Potato Soup typically takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 to 40 minutes of cooking time. The total time is around an hour from start to finish. Make sure you allow enough time for the potatoes to cook until tender. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked or microwaveable potatoes to speed up the process without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Soup in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make Loaded Baked Potato Soup in advance. This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Just remember to adjust the consistency by adding more broth or cream if needed.
Is Loaded Baked Potato Soup suitable for freezing?
Loaded Baked Potato Soup can be frozen; however, be aware that dairy-based soups may change in texture when thawed and reheated. To freeze this soup successfully, cool it completely and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove while stirring frequently for even heating.
Conclusion for Loaded Baked Potato Soup :
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting dish that combines creamy textures with hearty flavors. By using simple ingredients like potatoes and cheese along with delicious toppings such as bacon and green onions, you can create a satisfying meal. This soup is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable for various dietary preferences. Whether enjoyed fresh or made ahead for later use, it’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family. Enjoy every warm spoonful!
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the creamy delight of Loaded Baked Potato Soup, a heartwarming dish that combines fluffy baked potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this soup is easy to make and even easier to love. Each spoonful is a warm hug that brings back cozy memories while tantalizing your taste buds with its velvety goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 medium baking potatoes (about 2 lbs)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prick the potatoes with a fork. Bake directly on the oven rack for about 1 hour until tender.
- Once cool, peel and dice the potatoes into chunks. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes), then stir in minced garlic for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add diced potatoes and let them cook together for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, allowing it to heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding half of the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve by ladling into bowls and topping with remaining cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
