There’s something undeniably cozy about a bowl of Baked Potato Soup. Imagine that creamy, dreamy concoction, rich with buttery potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits that make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Creamy Crack Potato Soup It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want to do is snuggle up on the couch with a blanket and a spoonful of happiness.
This soup has been a staple in my household for years, often making an appearance during game nights or family gatherings. I remember one particularly cold winter evening when I served this dish to my friends, who were initially skeptical but quickly fell in love at first bite. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was so captivating that it had them hovering around the pot like moths to a flame.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Potato Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings
- Rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting bowl that’s visually appealing and garnished with toppings galore
- This versatile dish can be customized with various toppings, allowing each person to create their own unique experience
I once received a text from my friend saying they could still smell the soup in their dreams. Now that’s what I call memorable feedback!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Russet Potatoes: Choose firm, blemish-free potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best to control the seasoning while providing richness.
- Onion: Use yellow onions for their sweetness; they add depth to your soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give a robust flavor; avoid the pre-minced stuff if you can.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: For that luxurious creaminess; half-and-half can be used if you’re looking to lighten things up.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds richness and tang; feel free to sprinkle more on top!
- Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon elevates this soup from good to unforgettable; fry your own for best results.
- Green Onions: They add freshness when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Sour Cream: A dollop on top adds a tangy contrast that complements the flavors perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into even cubes so they cook uniformly—no one likes mushy potato chunks floating around.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add diced onions and cook until translucent while releasing that sweet onion aroma—about five minutes should do it.
Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Remember, burnt garlic tastes bitter, so keep an eye on it!
Cook Potatoes: Add your potato cubes to the pot along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are fork-tender—approximately 15-20 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs recipe.
Create Creamy Base: Once tender, remove from heat and use an immersion blender or regular blender (in batches) until smooth. Stir in heavy cream slowly while maintaining that creamy consistency.
Add Cheddar & Bacon: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted completely then fold in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor bomb status!
Now go ahead and serve your Baked Potato Soup hot, garnished with green onions and maybe another sprinkle of cheese just because you can! Tuscan White Bean Soup.
And there you have it—your very own warm hug in a bowl! Each spoonful will remind you why comfort food exists: To bring joy when life feels chaotic!
You Must Know
- Baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, creamy and loaded with flavor
- The aroma of baked potatoes simmering fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere
- This dish invites everyone to gather around the table, making it perfect for family dinners or chilly nights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking your potatoes until tender, then scoop their insides into a pot. Sauté onions and garlic before adding the potatoes back in with broth and cream for rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your baked potato soup with toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or fresh chives. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls You can also switch out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. Creamy Cauliflower Soup.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a smoother soup, blend part of it to create a creamy consistency while keeping some chunks
- When using leftovers, always add a splash of broth while reheating to prevent thickening
- Don’t skip garnishing; toppings elevate presentation and flavor!
The first time I made baked potato soup was on a chilly evening when my friends were over. Their compliments warmed my heart almost as much as the soup itself! For more inspiration, check out this Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad recipe.
FAQ
Can I make baked potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just store it properly in the fridge.
What are some good toppings for baked potato soup?
Toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions enhance flavor and presentation beautifully.
Can I freeze baked potato soup?
Freezing is possible; however, cream-based soups may change texture after thawing.
Baked Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy textures with rich flavors that warm you from the inside out. Loaded with buttery russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits, this delightful soup is perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. Easy to prepare, it invites customization with a variety of toppings, making each bowl a unique experience.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes by washing, peeling, and cutting them into uniform cubes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add potato cubes and chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer until fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
- Remove from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender in batches.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream, followed by shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Fold in crispy bacon bits before serving hot, garnished with green onions and sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
