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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

creamy loaded baked potato soup - featured image
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A rich, velvety soup that captures the comforting flavors of a loaded baked potato with tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and scallions in a silky broth. Perfect for cozy nights and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1-inch cubes)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice 4 medium russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
  2. Cook 6 strips of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cool. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat for sautéing if desired, otherwise discard.
  3. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add diced potatoes and 4 cups chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  5. Simmer potatoes in broth for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but still holding shape.
  6. Using a potato masher, gently mash some potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. For an ultra-smooth soup, puree half the soup in a blender and return to pot.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
  8. Remove pot from heat and gently fold in ½ cup sour cream (optional). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and thinly sliced scallions.

Notes

If soup thickens too much after resting, stir in a splash of broth or milk before reheating. Avoid overheating cheese to prevent graininess. Bacon can be baked on a wire rack in the oven for less grease and even crispiness. For vegetarian or vegan versions, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato soup, creamy soup, loaded baked potato, comfort food, easy soup recipe, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/creamy-loaded-baked-potato-soup-recipe-easy-cozy-comfort-food/