Loaded Baked Potato Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, then Loaded Baked Potato Soup is just what you need! This delightful soup is a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings where everyone needs a little comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and absolutely satisfying. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

This recipe has become a favorite in my home because of its rich taste and the way it brings everyone together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal with loved ones, this soup always hits the spot. Let me share this beloved recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this comforting soup in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. It’s creamy and delicious—what’s not to love?
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores beautifully! Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld for even more deliciousness.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup is as easy as pie! These simple, wholesome items are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For Creaminess and Flavor

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

For Garnishing

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

Variations

One of the best things about Loaded Baked Potato Soup is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your cravings or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the potatoes: Try using sweet potatoes instead of Russets for a twist on flavor and added nutrients.
• Add extra veggies: Throw in some broccoli or spinach for added color and nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick!
• Top with fresh herbs: Fresh chives or parsley can elevate the presentation and flavor of your soup.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. This step adds incredible flavor to our base. Remove the bacon from the pot and let it drain on paper towels while keeping all those tasty drippings in there.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Next, we’re going to sauté the onions in that flavorful bacon grease until they become translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Adding garlic after will bring out its fragrant goodness—this step truly enhances the overall flavor of our soup.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Now it’s time to stir in those diced potatoes along with the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat, covering it, and letting it simmer until those potatoes are tender—about 15-20 minutes should do!

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Once your potatoes are soft, grab an immersion blender (or carefully transfer half of the soup to a regular blender) to puree just enough so that it’s creamy but still has some nice chunks left. This creates that comforting texture we all love!

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Now comes the best part! Stir in your heavy cream and shredded cheese until everything melts together into a luscious mixture. Don’t forget to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Finally, ladle your warm Loaded Baked Potato Soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled bacon, green onions, and maybe even an extra sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling indulgent! Enjoy every comforting spoonful.

There you have it—your go-to recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup that’s perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Creating the perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to the next level.

• Choose the right potatoes: Opting for Russet potatoes gives your soup a creamy texture due to their high starch content, but feel free to experiment with sweet potatoes for a unique twist!
• Don’t rush the sauté: Taking your time to sauté the onions until they are truly translucent maximizes their sweetness and depth, adding richness to your soup.
• Adjust creaminess to taste: Depending on how thick or creamy you like your soup, feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream. You can also substitute some of it with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
• Blend in stages: Pureeing only half of the soup allows you to maintain some potato chunks, providing a delightful contrast in texture that makes each bite satisfying.
• Season gradually: Tasting as you go is key! Add salt and pepper incrementally to ensure your soup is perfectly seasoned without going overboard.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Presenting your Loaded Baked Potato Soup beautifully not only enhances its appeal but also makes every bowl feel special. Here are some fun ways to serve this comforting dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: Adding fresh chives provides a vibrant color and a mild onion flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup.
• Crispy kale or spinach chips: For a healthy crunch, top your soup with homemade crispy kale or spinach chips, which add both texture and nutrition.
• Extra shredded cheese: A sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese just before serving creates a melty topping that takes this classic soup over the top.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop of deliciousness.
• Simple green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances out the rich flavors of the soup while providing some crunch.
• Cornbread muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are a fantastic side that adds warmth and comfort; they’re perfect for dipping into your creamy potato goodness.
• Roasted vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings extra color and nutrients to your meal while keeping things light and healthy.

Now you’re ready to make an unforgettable Loaded Baked Potato Soup experience! Enjoy cozy nights filled with warmth and delicious flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. You can whip up a big batch and store it for those busy nights or cozy weekends.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave a little space at the top of each container to allow for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Add a splash of cream if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this delicious soup, you’re not alone!

Can I use other types of potatoes for Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are traditional, you can experiment with sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds for a different flavor profile.

How do I make Loaded Baked Potato Soup vegetarian?

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will still shine through!

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Soup in advance?

Yes! This soup is great for meal prep and can be made ahead. Just follow the storage instructions above to keep it fresh.

What toppings go well with Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Besides crispy bacon bits, consider topping your soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or even croutons for added texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe! It’s not only comforting and creamy but also incredibly customizable to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!