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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

loaded baked potato soup - featured image

A quick and creamy comfort food soup made with russet potatoes, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. This recipe balances texture by mashing half the potatoes for a velvety base while leaving chunks for substance.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 68 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 34 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube the russet potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking until translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat. Mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher, leaving the rest chunky.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Do not boil.
  8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If the soup is too thick after storing, add a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Do not boil the soup after adding cream to prevent separation. For a vegetarian version, swap bacon for sautΓ©ed mushrooms or crispy fried shallots.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato soup, baked potato soup, comfort food, quick dinner, loaded soup, bacon soup, cheddar soup, winter recipes, easy soup