When it comes to comfort food, nothing warms my heart quite like a big bowl of loaded baked potato soup. I remember chilly evenings at home, the aroma of buttery potatoes simmering on the stove, and the excitement of topping my bowl with crispy bacon and melty cheese. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that brings families together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this loaded baked potato soup is always a favorite. You just can’t go wrong with its creamy texture and hearty flavors. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your home too!
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Let’s gather everything we need to create this deliciousness! You’ll want to start with 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces. These potatoes are the heart of our soup, bringing that comforting texture we all love. Next up, grab 1/2 cup butter to create a rich base; it gives the soup that delightful creamy flavor. For thickening, we’ll use 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. You’ll also need 4 cups chicken broth to give it a savory depth, along with 2 cups milk for creaminess. Don’t forget 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for that melty goodness, plus 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled for a smoky kick. Lastly, grab 1/4 cup green onions, chopped, to add a fresh finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set to make something amazing!
How to Prepare Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this heavenly loaded baked potato soup! It’s a simple process, and I promise you won’t regret the deliciousness that awaits!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large pot and melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. You’ll want it to bubble just a bit, but be careful not to let it brown!
- Next, whisk in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This forms a roux that thickens our soup.
- Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring it to a gentle boil.
- Add the diced russet potatoes and let it boil for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. You can poke them with a fork to check!
- Once the potatoes are soft, stir in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and don’t forget to top it off with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for that perfect finish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy texture that feels like a warm hug
- Loaded with flavors from cheese, bacon, and fresh green onions
- Hearty and filling, making it a complete meal in a bowl
- Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day
- Customizable—add your favorite toppings or spices for a personal touch
Tips for Success
To make sure your loaded baked potato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t rush the roux; stir it for those 2 minutes to develop the flavor and thickness. If you want a bit more richness, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth—it’s just as delicious! Also, if you like a little kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or paprika. And remember, the soup thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit soupy at first. Just give it a good stir and enjoy your creamy, comforting masterpiece!
Variations on Loaded Baked Potato Soup
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to put your spin on this loaded baked potato soup! For a zesty twist, try adding crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top—it’s a game changer! Want to spice things up? A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can add a little heat. You can also switch up the toppings; think chopped jalapeños for a kick, or even some sauteed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. If you’re a fan of greens, toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and color. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your loaded baked potato soup, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll keep for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk to get that creamy texture back. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, it’s important to remember that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For reference, each serving of loaded baked potato soup typically contains around 350 calories, with 20g of fat and 10g of protein. Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and can change based on your personal adjustments and additions. Always feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs!
FAQ About Loaded Baked Potato Soup
You’ve got questions, and I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get about this loaded baked potato soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This loaded baked potato soup is perfect for meal prep. Just make it in advance, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stovetop.
Can I freeze loaded baked potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for about 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, all you need to do is swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It’s just as flavorful and delicious!
Can I add extra toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some of my favorites include sour cream, fresh herbs, or even crispy onion straws for an extra crunch. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
Why is my soup too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Just stir in a bit more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency. It’s super easy to adjust!
Loaded Baked Potato Soup: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and hearty loaded baked potato soup topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth while stirring.
- Add diced potatoes and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in milk and cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with bacon and green onions.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less milk.
- Top with sour cream for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, potato soup, creamy soup, comfort food
