Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Enjoy a creamy and comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup, filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with sour cream and chives. This hearty soup brings all the flavors of a loaded baked potato into a warming bowl, making it perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. You’ll find it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing you to serve up smiles at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: This loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for cozy nights or family dinners.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese creates a luscious texture that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your soup with various toppings like bacon, chives, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up this hearty dish without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious loaded baked potato soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Potato masher
• Slotted spoon
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for cooking large batches of soup and boiling potatoes efficiently.
• Potato masher: Helps achieve the desired consistency by mashing some potatoes while keeping others chunky.
• Slotted spoon: Great for removing bacon from grease without excess fat.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth

For the Creamy Mixture

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

For Toppings

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped for garnish

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How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In the same pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Soup Base

Add cooked potatoes back into the pot along with chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes for a thicker consistency while leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in heavy cream along with cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish). Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, remaining bacon pieces, and fresh chives. Enjoy this deliciously comforting soup warm!

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your serving style, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.

Classic Serving

• Bowl of Warmth: Simply ladle the soup into a bowl and enjoy it as is, allowing the rich flavors to shine.

Garnish Options

• Chive Sprinkles: Add fresh chives on top for a pop of color and onion flavor.
• Crispy Bacon Bits: Sprinkle additional crispy bacon for extra crunch and flavor.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Salad Side: Pair with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the soup.

Drizzle Suggestions

• Olive Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of olive oil can add depth to the flavor profile.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick, a few drops of hot sauce can elevate your bowl.

How to Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup

To achieve the ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your soup is creamy, flavorful, and perfect every time.

• Flavors: Use high-quality chicken broth; it enhances the overall taste significantly.
• Creamy Texture: Blend part of the soup for a smoother consistency while keeping some chunks for texture.
• Cheese Selection: Opt for aged cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor compared to regular cheddar.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper incrementally to avoid over-seasoning.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on toppings like sour cream and chives; they add freshness and richness.
• Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.

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Best Side Dishes for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Loaded Baked Potato Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this hearty soup beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that adds crunch and flavor; perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color alongside your comforting soup.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or meat, adding heartiness to your meal.
6. Cheese Quesadillas: Simple yet satisfying; serve them warm alongside your loaded soup for extra cheesy goodness.
7. Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables can add depth and variety to your table setting.
8. Potato Chips: For a fun twist, serve crispy potato chips on the side for an added crunch!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Loaded Baked Potato Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that could affect your final dish.

• Skipping the potato prep: Not boiling the potatoes properly can lead to uneven texture. Ensure they are tender before adding them to the soup.
• Overcooking the bacon: Cooking bacon too long can make it tough. Aim for crispy but not burnt for the best flavor.
• Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well and could alter the creaminess of your soup. Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season adequately can leave your soup bland. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
• Rushing through mashing: If you mash all the potatoes, you’ll miss out on great texture. Mash just some for a creamy consistency while leaving chunks.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Loaded Baked Potato Soup in an airtight container.
• It can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a creamy dish that combines the flavors of baked potatoes with ingredients like bacon, cheese, and sour cream.

How do I customize my Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

You can add toppings such as green onions or even switch out cheddar cheese for other varieties like gouda or pepper jack for extra flavor.

Can I make Loaded Baked Potato Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute bacon with plant-based bacon or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What should I serve with Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or sandwich sides for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough to adapt to your tastes. Whether you stick with classic toppings or get creative, this recipe invites everyone to enjoy a warm bowl of goodness. Give it a try and customize it to suit your cravings!