Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Looking for a rich, comforting dish that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day? Look no further than this Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect recipe to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering, this soup will be a hit. Stick around for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and essential tips to make your Loaded Baked Potato Soup taste like perfection every time!

What is Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty soup that combines the flavors of a classic baked potato with all the toppings you love—bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. The base of the soup is made from tender potatoes, which are simmered to creamy perfection, then topped with all the loaded baked potato fixings. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the indulgent flavors of a baked potato in soup form, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients List for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's everything you need for a flavorful Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

• 6 large russet potatoes, baked and peeled
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Shredded Monterey Jack cheese for extra cheesiness

Substitutions and Variations

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their high starch content, which helps create a thick, creamy texture. However, you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Options: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free version, swap out the milk and cream for almond milk or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter and cheese substitute.
• Vegetarian Option: You can make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skipping the bacon. You could also add some extra vegetables like carrots, leeks, or celery to bulk up the soup and add depth of flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Want to add some heat? Try mixing in chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or drizzle a bit of hot sauce when serving for an extra kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up, let’s get started on making this delectable soup. Follow these steps to create the perfect bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

1. Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes, poke a few holes in each with a fork, and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Set them aside to cool, then peel and dice them.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and let it drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside for later use.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. This will thicken the soup base.
5. Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
6. Add Potatoes, Milk, and Cream: Stir in the diced baked potatoes, milk, and heavy cream. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the soup to cook for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes start to break down and the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup, leaving chunks of potato for texture.
8. Finish with Bacon and Sour Cream: Stir in half of the crumbled bacon and sour cream. Adjust the seasoning as needed. The soup is now ready to serve!

How to Cook Loaded Baked Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Loaded Baked Potato Soup is all about layering flavors and creating a creamy texture with just the right amount of toppings. Here’s a quick recap of the key steps:

1. Bake the Potatoes: Roast the potatoes until they’re soft, then peel and dice.
2. Cook the Bacon: Crisp up the bacon and set it aside for garnishing.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Start your flavor base by cooking the onions and garlic in butter.
4. Create the Roux: Add flour to thicken the soup.
5. Simmer with Broth: Slowly whisk in the broth and simmer until thickened.
6. Add Dairy and Potatoes: Stir in the milk, cream, and potatoes.
7. Stir in Cheese and Bacon: Melt in the cheese and stir in the bacon for that “loaded” flavor.
8. Season and Serve: Finish with salt, pepper, sour cream, and more bacon before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Don’t let the potatoes get too mushy when baking. You want them tender but not falling apart.
• Lumpy Soup: Be sure to whisk the flour thoroughly when creating the roux to avoid lumps. Adding the broth slowly and whisking constantly also helps prevent this.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Taste the soup as you go, especially after adding the broth and dairy. Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so you may need more than you think.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To truly impress your guests, how you serve and present the Loaded Baked Potato Soup can make a big difference. Here are a few tips to elevate your soup:

• Serve with Toppings on the Side: Set up a mini “toppings bar” with bowls of shredded cheese, extra bacon, sour cream, and green onions so everyone can customize their own bowl.
• Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t be shy with the toppings! A generous sprinkle of crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions on top makes the soup visually appealing and extra flavorful.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This rich, creamy soup pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and drinks. Here’s how to make your meal even more satisfying:

• Pair with a Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the soup.
• Serve with Bread: Warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Add a Side of Veggies: Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add a nice contrast to the heavy, creamy soup.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

For special occasions or family dinners, here are a few creative presentation ideas:

• Mason Jars: Serve the soup in small mason jars for individual portions at a party.
• Soup Shots: For an appetizer or starter, serve small “soup shots” topped with a single bacon strip and a sprinkle of cheese.
• Colorful Bowls: Use bright, contrasting bowls to serve the soup, making the golden creaminess pop visually.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it and add toppings when ready to serve.
• Blending for Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired texture. Blend half of the soup to keep some chunks of potato for a hearty bite.
• Adjusting Thickness: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with additional milk or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover baked potatoes for this soup?
Absolutely! Leftover baked potatoes work perfectly for this soup and can save you time in the preparation.

2. How can I store and reheat this soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of milk or broth if needed to thin it out.

3. Can I freeze Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Yes, but note that the dairy ingredients may separate upon thawing. To avoid this, freeze the soup without the dairy, and add the milk and cream when reheating.

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with toppings that bring out the best flavors of a classic baked potato. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Try this hearty soup today, and don’t forget to top it with all your favorite baked potato extras!

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