Loaded Baked Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, heartwarming dish that perfectly captures the essence of comfort food, look no further than loaded baked potato soup. This savory blend of creamy potatoes, cheese, and toppings is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this delicious soup, discover its variations, and answer some frequently asked questions about it.

What is Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Loaded baked potato soup is a creamy, hearty soup that mimics the flavors of a classic baked potato, topped with ingredients that elevate it to new heights. It typically includes mashed potatoes or diced potatoes, cream or milk, cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream. The concoction is both nutritious and filling, making it an excellent dish for cold weather or casual gatherings.

Origin of the Recipe

This dish is believed to have originated from the desire to combine the flavors of a baked potato with the warmth and comfort of a soup. While variations exist in different cultures, it has become a beloved favorite in American cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: You can whip this soup up in less than an hour.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Enjoy it fresh or store it for later.

Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

The ingredients are simple and can be adjusted based on your taste preferences. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 cup of cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Alternative Ingredients

If you’re looking for healthier options, consider using:

• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
• Cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower-carb version.
• Plant-based cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

Recommended Toppings

To enhance your loaded baked potato soup, consider adding:

• Extra shredded cheese
• Chopped bacon
• Fresh herbs
• Croutons

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Follow these easy steps to create your own loaded baked potato soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping the russet potatoes into small cubes. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Cook the Base

In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the chopped potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Blending & Creaming the Soup

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture, or transfer it to a blender in batches.

Step 4: Add Cream & Cheese

Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve the soup hot, garnished with your choice of toppings like green onions, crumbled bacon, and a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little more broth or cream if necessary to adjust the consistency.

Tips for the Perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Tip 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

For the best texture, russet potatoes are recommended due to their starchy composition. However, Yukon gold potatoes also work well.

Tip 2: Don’t Skimp on the Toppings

The toppings are what make this soup taste as indulgent as a loaded baked potato. Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Variations of Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Vegetarian Option

Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables for flavor and nutrition.

Spicy Loaded Potato Soup

Add diced jalapeños or spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick. This variation can be a hit for those who love a bit of heat!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on eight servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze loaded baked potato soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. However, be aware that the texture may change upon freezing and thawing, so it’s best to add fresh cream and toppings when serving.

How do I thicken my potato soup?

To thicken your soup, you can mash some of the potatoes using a potato masher after cooking. Alternatively, you can add a mixture of cornstarch and water to achieve your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Loaded baked potato soup is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl. Whether you enjoy it as a lunch option or a soothing dinner meal, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it uniquely yours!

For more delightful recipes, check out our related page on Creamy Tomato Soup or Vegetarian Chili.

Extracted Internal Links:

• Creamy Tomato Soup
• Vegetarian Chili

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “Article”, “headline”: “The Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe”, “description”: “Experience the comfort of loaded baked potato soup with this easy recipe. Perfect for weeknight meals!”, “image”: [ “URLtoimage1″, “URLtoimage2″, “URLtoimage3″, “URLtoimage4″ ], “author”: { “@type”: “Person”, “name”: “Your Name” }, “publisher”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “Your Website”, “logo”: { “@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “URLtoyour_logo” } }, “datePublished”: “2023-10-10”, “dateModified”: “2023-10-10” }

Social Media Captions

• Facebook: Warm up with a bowl of our loaded baked potato soup! 🥔✨ Check it out here: [link] #ComfortFood #SoupSeason
• Instagram: Cozy vibes only with this loaded baked potato soup! 🍲😍 Perfect for chilly nights. Tap the link in bio for the recipe! #Yum #Foodie
• Twitter: Ready to dive into a bowl of creamy goodness? Try our loaded baked potato soup! 🍲 #FoodLovers #Recipe #ComfortFood
• Pinterest: Discover the ultimate comfort food with our loaded baked potato soup! 🥔✨ Perfect for meal prep. #Recipe #Soup
• YouTube: Watch how to make the best loaded baked potato soup that’s creamy and delicious! 👉 [link] #Cooking #Recipe
• LinkedIn: Explore our latest recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Soup! A nutritious and comforting option for busy professionals looking for quick meal solutions. #HealthyEating #SoupRecipe

Tasty Card Recipe

Recipe Title:

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 cup of cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and cube potatoes. Rinse and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until fragrant. Add potatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender.
3. Blend the soup to desired consistency and return it to the pot. Stir in cream and cheese until blended.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with toppings!

Cooking/Prep Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 30 minutes

Category:

Soup

Tags:

Comfort Food, Vegetarian, Easy Recipe

Servings:

8

Nutrition:

Approx. 320 calories per serving.

Tips:

Feel free to add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch! Print

Sharing is caring!