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Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Easy Creamy Comfort for Cozy Nights

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A creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded soup that captures the flavor of a loaded baked potato in a comforting bowl, perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900g), peeled and diced
  • 6 slices bacon (center-cut preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (960ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml), full-fat
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (150g), freshly shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream (120g), full-fat
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  2. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of bacon fat or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender but not falling apart, about 15 minutes.
  4. Using a potato masher or immersion blender, gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot, leaving chunks for texture.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Remove pot from heat and gradually stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until cheese is melted and soup is thick and creamy.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add about half the crumbled bacon now for flavor, saving the rest for garnish.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining bacon, chopped chives, and extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Save some bacon fat to sauté onions and garlic for extra smoky flavor. Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent clumping. Do not overcook potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting. Season gradually as bacon and cheese add saltiness. Simmer longer uncovered if soup is too thin. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, bacon soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner