Description
This comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate hearty meal for chilly evenings. By blending the richness of cream, sharp cheddar, and fluffy Russet potatoes with the smoky crunch of beef-style bacon, this soup delivers the classic taste of a loaded baked potato in every velvety spoonful. It is a simple, aromatic, and crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a warm, homemade hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
4 large Russet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed
8 slices beef-style or soy-based turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh chives, chopped for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a blonde roux, careful not to burn it.
Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken stock to ensure a smooth, lump-free base.
Add the cubed potatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for heartiness.
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Fold in half of the crispy beef-style bacon pieces.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve garnished with remaining bacon and fresh chives.
Notes
For a lower calorie version, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. Ensure the potatoes are evenly cubed to help them cook through at the same rate. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk when reheating as the soup will thicken in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg