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Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food packed with melty sharp cheddar cheese, crispy smoky bacon, and fresh chives. This hearty soup combines all the flavors of a loaded baked potato into a warm, satisfying bowl perfect for cold days or casual gatherings. Easy to make and customizable, it delivers indulgent flavor and a velvety texture that will become your go-to comfort dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 large Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Chives, chopped (for garnish)

Proteins and Dairy

  • 6 slices Crispy Bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 4 cups Chicken Broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes and Veggies: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic so they’re ready to soften in the pot later.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy, then remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot for enhanced flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent and fragrant, laying the flavorful foundation of your soup.
  4. Add Potatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced potatoes and chicken broth, bringing everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  5. Blend for Creamy Texture: Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup gently to create a creamy but slightly chunky texture, or blend half and leave the rest chunky, depending on your preference.
  6. Stir in Dairy and Cheese: Lower the heat and slowly add the butter, cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything melts into a smooth, velvety soup.
  7. Season and Garnish: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then top with crispy bacon pieces and chopped chives for that final loaded touch.

Notes

  • Use Russet Potatoes: Their starchy nature delivers the best creamy texture in the soup.
  • Don’t Overblend: Keep some potato chunks for texture—fully pureed soup loses that beloved bite.
  • Add Cheese Slowly: Stir in cheese off the heat to avoid curdling or graininess.
  • Keep It Warm: Use low heat to prevent the soup from scorching on the bottom.
  • Fresh Chives: Add right before serving to maintain their bright color and fresh flavor.

Nutrition

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