Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Winter Comfort
Introduction
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food for those chilly winter evenings. This creamy, hearty soup is packed with flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that combines the best of baked potatoes with the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of soup.
When the temperature drops and you’re craving something warm and satisfying, nothing beats a bowl of Winter comfort soup creamy potato recipes hearty soup bacon cheese soup loaded potato soup winter recipes. This Loaded Baked Potato Soup takes the beloved flavors of a classic baked potato and transforms them into a rich, velvety soup that’s perfect for dinner or a cozy lunch.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This soup is a game-changer for several reasons:
◾ It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
◾ The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry.
◾ It’s customizable – add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
◾ The soup is filling and satisfying, perfect for hearty appetites.
◾ It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:
◾ 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
◾ 1 large onion, diced
◾ 4 cloves of garlic, minced
◾ 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
◾ 4 cups chicken broth
◾ 2 cups heavy cream
◾ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
◾ 1/4 cup butter
◾ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
◾ 1 cup sour cream
◾ 4 green onions, thinly sliced
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for our soup.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This will form a roux, which will help thicken our soup and give it that luxurious texture we’re after.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Potatoes
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the cubed potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Blend and Enrich
Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture. Stir in the heavy cream, half of the bacon, and half of the cheddar cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the soup from heat and gently stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup is now ready to be served!
Nutritional Information
This hearty soup is rich in calories and nutrients. It’s a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, particularly vitamin C from the potatoes.
Calories per Person
Approximately 450-500 calories per serving, based on 8 servings.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe lighter, consider these substitutions:
◾ Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream
◾ Opt for turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely
◾ Choose low-fat sour cream and cheese
◾ Add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Loaded Baked Potato Soup hot, garnished with the remaining bacon, cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. For an extra touch, add a dollop of sour cream on top. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overblending the soup – leave some potato chunks for texture
◾ Adding dairy too early – this can cause curdling
◾ Underseasoning – potatoes need a good amount of salt
◾ Rushing the cooking process – let the flavors develop
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the soup is too thick.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I freeze this soup?
While possible, freezing may affect the texture due to the high dairy content. If freezing, do so before adding the cream and cheese, then add these when reheating.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which helps thicken the soup naturally.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the dairy components in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those cold winter nights when you need something warm and satisfying. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ladle and dive into a bowl of pure comfort!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
