Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for something seriously comforting? Something that just warms you from the inside out? Let's Cozy Up with Loaded Baked Potato Soup! This ain't your nan's watery soup.
This recipe is pure, creamy, dreamy, and loaded.
Brief Overview
This is Creamy Baked Potato Soup at its finest. Born from the classic American baked potato, its a flavour explosion.
It is incredibly easy to make. We're talking about 55 minutes from start to finish. The recipe yields 6 generous servings.
Main Benefits
This Comfort Food Soup Recipes is packed with goodness, especially protein. This Hearty Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for those cold winter nights.
What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of creamy texture and satisfying toppings.
Let's Talk Potatoes
You know, nothing screams comfort like a potato. This Cheesy Potato Soup recipe uses simple ingredients. These ingredients come together to create something amazing.
Honestly, I sometimes make a double batch just to have leftovers! I tried it one time, and Oh my gosh i had the best experience ever.
The Star of the Show
Our key ingredient here is the humble russet potato. Use 6 medium ones. I have tried using Yukon Golds too, but russets give the best texture.
Cut them into cubes, around 1 inch is good. Also you can crisp up the potato skins for garnish!
Creamy Dreamy Base
The secret to the ultimate Loaded Potatoes Soup lies in the base. You'll need 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 medium onion, and 2 cloves of garlic.
Trust me. Sautéing these together creates a depth of flavour that is pure magic. Don't skimp on this step. Honestly , its make all the difference.
Then, add 1/4 cup of flour to get that perfect thickness. It's like making a Creamy Baked Potato Soup .
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks! We're making Creamy Baked Potato Soup and it's easier than you think.
Don't you worry, cozy up with loaded baked goodness in a bowl is about to be your new fave. Honestly, even a kitchen novice can nail this recipe.
Main Ingredients for Our Loaded Potatoes Soup
- Potatoes: 6 medium russet potatoes (about 3 lbs / 1.36 kg ), scrubbed and cubed. Russets are your best bet here. They get super fluffy when cooked.
- Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth. Go for low sodium! You can always add more salt, but you can't take it away.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter. This is key for building flavour.
- Onion and Garlic: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup ) and 2 cloves garlic, minced. These are the backbone of our savory Soups With Potatoes .
- Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour. This helps thicken the soup, trust me on this.
- Dairy: 2 cups (475ml) whole milk and 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream. Makes the soup extra lush.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Smoked paprika is optional. But it really adds a great Winter Warmer Soup vibe.
- Toppings: 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled, 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped. Don't skimp on the bacon.
Seasoning Notes
We're going for that classic Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheese combo. Salt, pepper, and a bit of smoked paprika are all you need.
If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of cayenne pepper is nice to kick things up a notch. Also, you can sub the cheddar with Monterey Jack if that is what you prefer.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a ton of fancy gear. Just a large pot or Dutch oven, a potato masher or immersion blender (optional), measuring cups and spoons, and a cutting board and knife.
If you don't have an immersion blender, that's grand! You can use a potato masher instead. Just mash it a bit for a chunkier texture honestly, that's how my nan used to do it.
Don’t you underestimate this Hearty Potato Soup Recipe
And there you have it. Now, let's get cooking and make some delicious Easy Loaded Potato Soup ! Honestly, this recipe is pure comfort food.
Alright, let's dive into the heart of this Cozy Up with Loaded Baked Potato Soup: the cooking method. It's easier than you think! Honestly, you'll be chowing down on this comfort food soup recipe in under an hour.
The Magic Behind the Soup
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
First, mise en place, darling! It just means getting everything ready before you start. Cube those 6 medium russet potatoes.
Dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. This saves SO much time. Plus, it's safer!
Organisation is key. I like to measure out my spices beforehand. It's like having a little chef's helper.
step-by-step: From Humble Potato to Creamy Baked Potato Soup
- Cube 6 medium russet potatoes.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot. Sauté diced onion until soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup flour. Cook for 1 minute . Stir constantly.
- Whisk in 6 cups chicken broth gradually. Add potatoes.
- Simmer until potatoes are tender. That is about 15- 20 minutes .
- Blend with an immersion blender or mash with a masher.
- Stir in 2 cups milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Heat gently, don't boil!
- Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Taste as you go. This is where you make it yours.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Soup Game
Don't burn the roux! That's the butter and flour mix. Keep an eye on it. It should be a light golden colour. If it burns, start again. Trust me on this one.
And you can make this hearty potato soup recipe ahead! Just leave out the dairy until you are ready to serve.
It will keep in the fridge for a few days. Just add the milk and cream when you reheat it.
Remember to adjust seasoning. Do you like your Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheese a bit punchier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper! You know? It is like a hug in a bowl - just add love.
Recipe Notes: The Nitty Gritty
Right then, let's dive into some extra bits about this Cozy Up with Loaded Baked Creamy Baked Potato Soup, shall we? These tips and tricks are what turns a good Baked Potatoes Soup into a fantastic one.
It’s all about the details, innit?
Lovely Ladling: Serving Suggestions
How you serve your Easy Loaded Potato Soup matters! For plating, think rustic charm. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of bacon, and a generous helping of cheese.
A sprig of fresh chives adds a pop of colour.
Soups With Potatoes are fab with some crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad on the side offers a nice contrast.
Honestly, even a cheese toastie works a treat. Don't forget the bevvies, a nice hot tea or some sparkling apple juice to compliment this Comfort Food Soup Recipes .
Savvy Storage: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers of your hearty Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheese ? Lucky you!
Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When it comes to a Winter Warmer Soup , you really don't want to risk anything dodgy growing in your fridge.
Freezing? Yeah, you can freeze this Hearty Potato Soup Recipe , but be warned: the texture might change a bit.
Dairy based soups sometimes get a bit grainy after freezing. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently warm it on the stove.
Avoid boiling, or it might split.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Fancy a twist on this Cheesy Potato Soup ? Go vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping the bacon. Loads of veggies instead!.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you’re counting calories, try using skim milk and Greek yogurt. You know, a lighter version is still delicious, promise! If potatoes are out of season, try sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavour.
Nutrition: The Good Stuff
Each serving has roughly 450-550 calories. It’s got about 20g of protein and around 30g of fat.
You'll also get around 40g of carbohydrates. But remember, it’s not just about the numbers. Potatoes are packed with potassium, and the dairy gives you calcium.
It's a Creamy Baked Potato Soup and it's good for your soul, which is the most important thing.
So there you have it, my friend! All the secrets to making this soup your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and, most importantly, enjoy the process. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cozy Up with Loaded Baked potato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. In fact, the flavours often meld together even better overnight. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, do so gently over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
How can I make this loaded baked potato soup vegetarian?
Going meat free is a doddle! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The bacon is easily replaced with vegetarian bacon bits, or you can amp up the flavour with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to mimic that smoky bacon taste.
You could even try crispy roasted shiitake mushrooms for a savoury, umami boost that's a bit posh!
My potato soup is too thick! How do I thin it out?
No worries, happens to the best of us! If your "Cozy Up with Loaded Baked" potato soup is thicker than you'd like, just gradually stir in a little extra milk or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Add a little at a time to avoid making it too thin.
Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Can I freeze leftover potato soup?
Freezing potato soup can be a bit tricky due to the dairy content, which can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing. For best results, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers, leaving some headspace.
When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. A good tip is to freeze it before you add the cheese and sour cream, add those when you reheat.
What are some good topping variations for this soup besides the usual bacon and cheese?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Think outside the (soup) bowl, darling! How about some crumbled blue cheese for a tangy kick? Or some roasted corn for sweetness and texture? Diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. A dollop of pesto or a swirl of hot sauce can also elevate the flavour profile.
Crispy potato skins, for an extra crunch are also a brilliant idea!
Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 40g |
