Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

If you're a fan of creamy, hearty soups, then you're in for a treat! Loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and packed with your favorite baked potato toppings like crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fresh green onions. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening. Keep reading to find out how you can make this delicious soup at home, with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the loaded baked potato soup recipe that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

What is Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Loaded baked potato soup is exactly what it sounds like—a warm, creamy soup based on the classic loaded baked potato, complete with all the trimmings. It has a thick, velvety texture thanks to mashed or pureed potatoes and is typically enhanced with toppings like crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. It's a one-pot meal that's both filling and comforting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or special occasions.

Ingredients List for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Before we start cooking, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this scrumptious soup. These are pantry staples and simple grocery store finds, so you’ll have no trouble gathering everything to whip up this comforting dish.

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), baked and peeled
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• Additional crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onions or chives
• A dollop of sour cream
• Paprika or black pepper for garnish

Ingredient List for Substitutions and Variations

Looking to make some adjustments to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability? No problem! Here's how you can substitute or add variations to make the soup even more customizable.

Substitutions:

• Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes can be substituted for russet potatoes if you prefer a creamier texture.
• Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of regular milk, and substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream like cashew cream.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika for a bit of that "smoky" flavor bacon provides.
• Gluten-Free: To make the recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.

Variations:

• Loaded Sweet Potato Soup: Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. The sweetness pairs beautifully with bacon and cheddar cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup for a spicy version.
• Extra Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots to make the soup even heartier.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients and potential substitutions, let’s dive into how to make this incredible loaded baked potato soup. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be serving up bowls of steaming, creamy soup in no time.

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

1. Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean, poke them several times with a fork, and bake them for about 50-60 minutes or until tender. Once done, let them cool slightly, then peel and roughly mash them. Set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, cook your bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble the bacon when cool enough to handle. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Create a Roux: Push the onion and garlic mixture to one side of the pot and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps from the roux. Add the mashed baked potatoes and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Incorporate Dairy: Stir in the milk and heavy cream, and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. If the soup is too thick, you can add more milk or broth to thin it out.
7. Add Cheese and Sour Cream: Lower the heat to prevent the dairy from curdling. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, mixing until fully melted and combined. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Final Touches: Stir in half of the crumbled bacon. Reserve the rest for garnishing the bowls. At this point, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Baking the Potatoes Properly: Make sure the potatoes are thoroughly baked before mashing. Undercooked potatoes will result in a lumpy, uneven texture.
• Curdling the Dairy: Don’t add the milk or cream when the soup is boiling, as this could cause the dairy to curdle. Reduce the heat to a simmer before adding them.
• Over-Thickening the Soup: The soup will thicken as it sits, so avoid adding too much flour early on. You can always add more at the end if needed.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Loaded baked potato soup isn’t just about the flavor—it’s about presentation, too! Here are some tips on how to serve and style your soup like a pro.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Serve your loaded baked potato soup hot, ideally in deep bowls that can hold plenty of toppings. To make it more filling, you can serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread or garlic toast for dipping.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Layered Toppings: After ladling the soup into bowls, sprinkle extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions on top.
• Garnish with Style: Use a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a burst of color. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also add a nice touch.
• Bread Bowl Option: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of milk to thin it out if necessary.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a chunkier soup, don’t mash all of the potatoes completely. You can leave some small chunks for added texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use instant potatoes for this soup?
Yes, in a pinch, you can use instant mashed potatoes to save time. However, fresh-baked potatoes will give the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this soup without bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat and stir occasionally.

4. Can I freeze loaded baked potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and reheat gently when ready to serve.

5. How can I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by creating a slurry with 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Loaded baked potato soup is a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you're serving it for dinner, at a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this recipe will leave everyone satisfied. With crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a velvety potato base, this soup delivers on both flavor and comfort. Try out the variations, follow the tips, and enjoy this delicious dish!

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