The Heartiest Baked Potato Soup Recipe For Cozy Evenings

Creamy, comforting baked potato soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its rich, hearty flavors.

Potatoes blend perfectly with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese for an irresistible meal.

Memories of cozy kitchen moments dance through each spoonful of this classic comfort dish.

Russet potatoes create a velvety base that welcomes endless tasty garnishes.

Fresh chives and sour cream add delightful layers of complexity to this simple recipe.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you ladle this soul-satisfying soup into deep bowls.

Prepare to experience pure comfort in every delicious bite.

Baked Potato Soup: What Makes It Special

• Crunch into Crowd-Pleaser: These cheese bites deliver irresistible crispy texture that makes everyone at the table happy, perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Breading cheese requires minimal culinary skills, making this recipe ideal for beginners wanting to build confidence in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack to create unique flavor variations that suit your taste preferences.
• Quick Appetizer Solution: Prepare these golden bites in minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable starter that impresses guests without extensive preparation.

Key Ingredients For Baked Potato Soup

• Bacon: A flavorful and crispy protein that adds a smoky depth to the soup.
• Potatoes: Hearty and starchy vegetable that provides the main texture and flavor of the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a rich and savory foundation for the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that create a smooth, creamy, and luxurious texture.

• Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and velvety soup consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavor profile.

• Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream: Ingredients that add richness, tanginess, and extra creaminess to the soup.
• Bacon, Chives: Crispy and fresh toppings that provide additional texture and flavor contrast.

How To Craft Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a spacious pot until perfectly crunchy. Transfer crispy pieces to a plate, keeping a delightful layer of bacon drippings in the pot for extra flavor.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Base

Toss butter, chopped onions, and minced garlic into the pot. Cook until vegetables become tender and translucent.

Sprinkle flour and stir for a quick minute to create a rich roux.

Step 3: Create Creamy Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream

Whisk ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Incorporate Potato Goodness

Add diced baked potatoes into the simmering liquid. Season with salt and pepper.

Let the soup cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Mix until cheese melts completely and the soup becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Adjust Soup Texture

Use an immersion blender to create a velvety consistency or keep the soup chunky for a rustic feel.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle hot soup into bowls.

• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped chives
• Extra cheese sprinkles

Secrets To Perfect Baked Potato Soup

• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that's just as creamy and delicious.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid quantities – add more broth for a thinner consistency or reduce for a heartier texture.
• Save time by using pre-cooked bacon or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch.
• Enhance flavor by roasting garlic and onions before adding to the soup for deeper, more complex taste profile.

Twists To Elevate Baked Potato Soup

• Southwestern Potato Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and top with jalapeños and cilantro for a spicy Mexican-inspired version.
• Loaded Veggie Potato Soup: Mix in roasted broccoli, corn kernels, and spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Smoky Bacon Ranch Potato Soup: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix and smoked paprika, then garnish with extra crispy bacon bits and ranch drizzle.
• Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup: Replace bacon with diced ham, use a blend of Swiss and cheddar cheese, and add thyme for a hearty alternative.

Pairings That Complement Baked Potato Soup

• Cozy Game Night Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic mugs during board game evenings. Pair with crusty sourdough bread and let friends dig into this warming, cheesy delight between rounds of fun competition.
• Rustic Potato Soup Bread Bowl: Hollow out round bread loaves and pour the creamy soup inside. The bread soaks up the rich flavors while providing an edible, rustic serving vessel that adds extra texture and comfort.
• Winter Wellness Lunch Companion: Pack this soup in a thermos for a nourishing midday meal during cold months. Top with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives right before serving to maintain crunch and brightness.

Best Practices For Storing Baked Potato Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the original creamy consistency if needed.
• When reheating, stir frequently and use low heat to prevent cheese and cream from separating or becoming grainy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each variety will slightly change the soup’s texture and flavor.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

No, the recipe contains bacon, chicken broth, and cheese. To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.

• Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but the texture might change slightly. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty baked potato soup delivers creamy comfort with crispy bacon and chive garnish. Warm, satisfying flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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• 4 russet potatoes (large, baked and diced)
• 6 bacon slices (cooked and crumbled)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chives (chopped, for garnish)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent burning, cooking for 60 seconds.
4. Slowly incorporate chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, whisking constantly to eliminate potential lumps and create a silky base.
5. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly over medium-low heat, about 5 minutes.
6. Add roasted potato chunks, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
7. Reduce heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese and tangy sour cream until completely integrated and velvety.
8. For optimal texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some potato chunks for rustic appeal.
9. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and additional cheese for a luxurious presentation.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and crispier texture.
• Use day-old baked potatoes for better consistency and less moisture in the soup.
• Blend partially for a perfect balance between smooth and chunky soup, keeping some potato pieces intact.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or coconut bacon for lighter versions, and use lactose-free milk and cheese for dairy-sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 337 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg