Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
A warm and hearty soup loaded with potatoes, cheese, and bacon, perfect for chilly days or cozy meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced For added flavor and crunch.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour Can use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- 2.5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1/2 inch pieces Other types can be used but Russets provide best texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh chives or green onions, sliced For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
- Add the butter and onion to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Cooking
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Use a potato masher to crush about half of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the soup.
- Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and 1.5 cups of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Serve hot, topped with the reserved crispy bacon, remaining cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove and add more milk or broth if too thick. For variations, add toppings like blue cheese or jalapeños.