Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty, creamy goodness of classic potato soup with all your favorite baked potato toppings. This rich and indulgent dish is perfect for chilly evenings, cozy gatherings, or whenever you crave a warm, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Key Ingredients:

Russet potatoes
Cheddar cheese
Sour cream

Flavor Boosters:

Bacon crumbles
Green onions

Soup Base:

Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Butter and flour (for roux)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Wash, peel, and chop russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Finely chop onions and mince garlic.

Create the Base:

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
Gradually sprinkle in flour while whisking continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Simmer the Soup:

Slowly whisk in chicken broth to ensure a smooth mixture.
Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender.

Blend and Serve:

Use an immersion blender to achieve desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky).
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and half of the crumbled bacon until cheese is melted and ingredients are well combined.
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with remaining bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheese if desired.

Nutrients

Per 1 cup (approximately 238g) serving:

Calories: 379
Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9.7g
Cholesterol: 49mg
Sodium: 922mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugars: 3.9g
Protein: 11.7g
Calcium: 146mg
Iron: 1.5mg
Potassium: 680mg

A Hearty and Creamy Delight

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the perfect dish for those who love potatoes and the creamy texture of a good soup. The key to this soup’s deliciousness lies in the combination of soft potatoes, savory bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and tangy sour cream, creating a taste experience that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors come together to create something extraordinary. It’s a warm, filling meal that wraps you in comfort with each spoonful.

The inspiration behind this soup comes from the classic baked potato, which is often served with the same toppings—cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions—but transformed into a creamy, velvety soup that’s perfect for colder weather. The richness of the soup is enhanced by the use of chicken broth and heavy cream, which give the soup its luxurious texture. The addition of bacon crumbles provides a satisfying crunch, while green onions offer a fresh contrast to the creamy base.

A Versatile Recipe for All Occasions

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with other dishes. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and it’s a great option for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for a few days, ensuring you always have a comforting meal on hand. It’s also ideal for serving at gatherings, whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy get-together with friends.

This soup can also be easily modified to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. For example, you can swap the bacon for turkey bacon or a vegetarian option if you’re looking for a lighter or meat-free version. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. The possibilities are endless, making it easy to personalize this recipe to your liking.

The Health Benefits of Loaded Baked Potato Soup

While Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a rich and indulgent dish, it also offers some surprising health benefits. Potatoes, the main ingredient in this soup, are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, potatoes contain vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system, and vitamin B6, which is important for brain function.

The addition of sour cream in the soup adds a tangy flavor, while also providing a dose of calcium, which is important for bone health. Cheddar cheese, while rich in fat, also provides protein and calcium. Bacon, although higher in fat and sodium, offers a savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup. The key is to enjoy this dish in moderation, as it can be quite rich, but when balanced with other healthy foods, it can be part of a nutritious diet.

Tips for Perfecting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Making the perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup is all about getting the right balance of flavors and textures. Here are a few tips to ensure your soup turns out as delicious as possible:

Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a high starch content, which gives the soup a creamy texture. They also break down easily when cooked, making them perfect for soups and stews.
Cook the Bacon until Crispy: For the best flavor and texture, make sure your bacon is crispy. Crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch that complements the smoothness of the soup. Be sure to crumble the bacon into small pieces so that it can be evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Blend to Your Desired Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can blend the soup to a smooth consistency or leave it slightly chunky. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. For a chunkier texture, simply mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher before serving.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your preferences, you may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
Add Toppings: The toppings are what make this soup truly “loaded.” Don’t be shy when it comes to adding extra bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor and color.
Make It a Meal: While Loaded Baked Potato Soup can stand on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.

Why You Should Try Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect comfort food, ideal for sharing with family and friends. The creamy, rich flavor will warm you from the inside out, while the bacon, cheese, and sour cream provide a satisfying contrast of textures. This soup is the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

It’s also a fantastic dish for experimenting with flavors. If you want to make the soup spicier, add some chili flakes or jalapeños. If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out the heavy cream for milk or use a lower-fat cheese. There’s no wrong way to make Loaded Baked Potato Soup, and that’s part of what makes it such a beloved dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to please. With its rich, creamy base, crispy bacon, and tangy sour cream, it’s the ultimate comfort food that will warm you up on the coldest of days.

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