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Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

A comforting and hearty Loaded Baked Potato Soup featuring tender potatoes, crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheeses, and a creamy broth, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Bacon

  • 4 potatoes, scrubbed
  • 8 bacon slices

Soup Base

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low fat milk
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheese and Garnishes

  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Potatoes: Pierce the potatoes multiple times with a fork, then microwave them for 12 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Carefully halve the potatoes and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the skins and cut into chunks.
  2. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Reserve up to 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the pan, discarding the rest. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
  3. Make the Soup Base: In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the reserved bacon fat, minced garlic, and diced onion; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is tender. Slowly whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half until smooth. Then add the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, whisk in salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Keep simmering for 5 to 7 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
  5. Finish the Soup: Reserve 1/4 cup of each cheese and some bacon for garnish if desired. Stir the remaining cheddar cheeses, crumbled bacon, and sour cream into the pot. Remove from heat.
  6. Combine Potatoes and Serve: Scoop the potato chunks into the pot, breaking them up or leaving them chunky as preferred. Stir gently and serve hot, topped with reserved cheese, bacon, and fresh chives.

Notes

  • If desired, bake potatoes instead of microwaving: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake on the rack for 45 minutes or until fork-tender.
  • Adjust seasoning with extra salt and garlic salt to taste before serving.
  • Use low-fat milk and half-and-half to keep the soup creamy but not overly rich.
  • For a thicker soup, cook a bit longer to reduce more liquid or add slightly more flour.

Keywords: Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Creamy Potato Soup, Bacon Cheddar Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/loaded-baked-potato-soup-recipe/