Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup, featuring creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. This decadent soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every spoonful. Top it off with green onions and sour cream for an extra layer of deliciousness, making it the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or cozy nights in.
This soup has become a family favorite, especially during the colder months. It embodies the warmth and comfort we all seek in a hearty meal.
A Hearty Meal for Any Occasion
Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that warms the soul. Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup delivers. It pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it a versatile choice for any meal. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients ensure that it’s not just filling but also satisfying, catering to those longing for comfort food.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients, you can create a warm, inviting dish that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to enjoy something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customization and Variations
One of the best aspects of Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is its flexibility. Feel free to modify the toppings based on your preference or dietary needs. For a healthier twist, consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach for a dosage of nutrients and color. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like gouda or pepper jack, to elevate the flavor profile and add a unique twist.
For those looking to spice things up, a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can add a zesty kick to the soup. Don't hesitate to get creative! The foundational elements of this recipe provide a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Storing and Reheating
This soup is not only delicious fresh but also stores wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
For longer storage, this soup can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to leave out the toppings until you're ready to serve it again, as they are best added fresh. This convenience makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to save time on future meals while still enjoying homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this comforting soup:
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to whip up your soup:
Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving the grease.
Prepare the Base
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Once melted, stir in the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
Add Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until creamy while leaving some chunks of potato for texture.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and sour cream until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve
Top with green onions and extra cheese before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!
Enjoy your delicious soup with crusty bread!
Nutritional Benefits
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is loaded with essential nutrients, making it a satisfying dish that helps meet your dietary needs. Potatoes are a rich source of vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, cheese provides calcium, while bacon adds a boost of protein. Combined, these ingredients offer a balance that supports your overall well-being.
By incorporating fresh ingredients like green onions and sour cream as toppings, you can enhance the nutritional profile even further. Green onions add a nice crunch and are also packed with antioxidants, making them a great way to elevate the health benefits of your meal.
Serving Suggestions
To create a complete meal, consider serving your Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup with a side of garlic bread or a simple garden salad. The bread will soak up the delicious broth, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the soup's richness. You might also want to pair it with a glass of white wine, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Looking to make it a bit more festive? Consider serving the soup in bread bowls—this not only makes for an impressive presentation but adds an additional layer of flavor as you eat your bowl, too. This charming twist is sure to impress guests on special occasions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but the texture may change slightly once thawed.
Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup, featuring creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. This decadent soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every spoonful. Top it off with green onions and sour cream for an extra layer of deliciousness, making it the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Created by: Anna Johnson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
How-To Steps
In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving the grease.
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Once melted, stir in the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until creamy while leaving some chunks of potato for texture.
Stir in the shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and sour cream until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
Top with green onions and extra cheese before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g