Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy goodness of potatoes with savory bacon, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings. This recipe takes the classic baked potato and transforms it into a rich and flavorful soup that’s easy to make.

With simple ingredients like potatoes, milk, butter, and flour, along with delicious toppings like crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh green onions, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Follow these easy steps to create a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that will leave you craving more.

How to make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:

4-6 potatoes, baked, peeled, and cubed

6 c milk

1/2 c butter

1/2 c flour

10 oz or so of sour cream

Better than bullion chicken to taste (I used 1 tbsp)

Minced garlic (I used 2 tsp)

Salt and pepper to taste

Sharp cheddar cheese

Green onions

Bacon- however much you like

Instructions:

Get potatoes ready. I use russet.

I microwaved mine instead of baking.

Cook bacon.

Melt butter on low, then add flour.

Let cook for a minute.

Add seasonings and garlic and let cook another minute or so.

Use your judgement.

Slowly add milk.

Cook on medium.

Bring to a boil and cook a few mins until desired thickness.

Add sour cream, whisk.

Add potatoes and bacon.

I add cheese too.

After it’s in the bowl, I add my green onions and extra bacon.

Tweak the ingredients however you like.

Enjoy

Notes:

Potatoes: Russet potatoes work well for this recipe. Baking them in advance, then peeling and cubing them ensures they’re ready to add to the soup.

Milk: Using milk as the base of the soup adds creaminess and richness. Whole milk is preferred for a thicker consistency.

Butter and Flour: These form the roux, helping to thicken the soup. Cooking them together creates a smooth texture.

Sour Cream: Adding sour cream provides tanginess and richness to the soup, enhancing its flavor and creaminess.

Better than Bullion Chicken: This adds depth of flavor and savory notes to the soup. Adjust the amount based on personal preference.

Minced Garlic: Garlic adds aromatic flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste to enhance the overall flavor of the soup.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melting sharp cheddar cheese into the soup adds a delicious cheesy flavor and creamy texture.

Green Onions: Adding chopped green onions as a garnish provides freshness and a subtle onion flavor to the soup.

Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory element to the soup. Use as much as desired for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Process: The soup is prepared by creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually adding milk to create a creamy base. Seasonings and garlic are added for flavor, followed by the sour cream, potatoes, and bacon. Finally, the soup is garnished with cheese, green onions, and extra bacon before serving. Adjust the ingredients according to personal taste preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato for this soup?

While russet potatoes are commonly used for baked potato soup, you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for slightly different flavors and textures.

Can I use low-fat milk or other milk alternatives instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat milk or milk alternatives like almond milk or soy milk if you prefer a lighter option.

However, keep in mind that this may alter the creaminess and richness of the soup.

Is there a substitute for butter in this recipe?

You can substitute butter with olive oil or margarine if you prefer a different flavor or want to reduce the saturated fat content.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup.

You can also add vegetarian bacon or skip it altogether.

How long does it take to cook the potatoes?

The cooking time for the potatoes will depend on the method used (microwaving, baking, boiling, etc.) and the size of the potato cubes.

Generally, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook cubed potatoes in the microwave.

Can I freeze this soup for later?

Yes, you can freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What other toppings can I add to this soup?

In addition to green onions and bacon, you can add toppings like shredded cheese, chopped chives, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and texture.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If the soup is too thick, you can add more milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Is there a way to reduce the sodium content of this soup?

You can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth or omitting the Better than Bouillon chicken base.

Additionally, you can adjust the amount of salt added to taste or use salt-free seasoning blends.