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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent burning, cooking for 60 seconds.
- Slowly incorporate chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, whisking constantly to eliminate potential lumps and create a silky base.
- Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly over medium-low heat, about 5 minutes.
- Add roasted potato chunks, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese and tangy sour cream until completely integrated and velvety.
- For optimal texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some potato chunks for rustic appeal.
- 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