Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, baked and diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the potatoes, then prick them with a fork. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Let them cool, then peel and dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot (discard the rest or save for other use).
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic to the bacon grease. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
5. Add Broth and Milk: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add Potatoes: Stir in the diced baked potatoes and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to slightly mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture, leaving some chunks for heartiness.
7. Add Cheese and Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the cheese to melt and the soup to heat through.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is creamy, rich, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s perfect for chilly days and pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread. Enjoy!