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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

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A simple, comforting, and creamy loaded baked potato soup with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions—perfect for chilly evenings or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz) chicken broth, low sodium recommended
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup (4 fl oz) sour cream
  • 1½ cups (150 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: finely chopped chives
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon low-carb or gluten-free flour (for thickening if needed)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place bacon strips in a cold large pot or skillet, turn heat to medium, and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pot; discard the rest.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add butter to the reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Once melted, add chopped onions and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add potatoes and broth: Add diced potatoes to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Partially cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Blend or mash soup: Use a potato masher to mash some potatoes in the pot for a creamy yet chunky texture, or blend half the soup with an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Stir back in and avoid over-blending.
  5. Finish with cream and sour cream: Stir in heavy cream and sour cream, mixing well. Heat gently without boiling to prevent curdling.
  6. Add cheese and season: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with reserved crispy bacon and sliced green onions. Add extra cheese or chives if desired.

Notes

Do not boil the soup after adding cream and sour cream to prevent curdling. Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering uncovered. Bacon fat adds flavor when sautéing onions. Soup base can be made ahead and refrigerated; add dairy and toppings before serving. Freeze soup base without cream and cheese.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/cozy-loaded-baked-potato-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/