This Baked Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family. With its thick and creamy broth, this soup is loaded with crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s not only delicious but also easy to make, making it suitable for any occasion—from casual dinners to special celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of bacon and cheddar creates a rich taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this hearty soup in under 45 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for serving at parties or family gatherings, this recipe serves eight people, ensuring everyone gets a taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize toppings with extra cheese, green onions, or even spicy jalapeños!
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with potatoes and a base of chicken broth, this soup provides essential nutrients along with its delightful flavors.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Baked Potato Soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients comfortably.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps in chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.
Ingredients
This Baked Potato Soup has a thick and creamy broth that’s loaded with bacon and chives, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and smooth potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food and so easy to make!
For the Soup Base
- 4 large russet potatoes (equal to 2 lbs.)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 slices thick cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Broth
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/8 cup chives (finely diced)
How to Make Baked Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if desired, then cut them into small cubes.
- Dice the yellow onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the thick-cut bacon slices.
- Cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon from pot; crumble it once cooled.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pot with leftover bacon grease, add chopped onions.
- Sauté onions until translucent (about 4-5 minutes), then add minced garlic for an additional minute.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
- Stir in butter until melted.
- Add flour gradually while whisking to form a roux; cook for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
Step 5: Add Potatoes
- Add cubed potatoes into the pot along with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Mix in Creaminess
- Stir in half-and-half and sour cream; mix well.
- Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Step 7: Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top generously with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and diced chives before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Potato Soup!
How to Serve Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add some flair, here are some great serving suggestions.
With Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with the creamy soup, perfect for dipping.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy experience that melts beautifully into the hot soup.
Garnished with Chives
- Fresh chives not only add color but also bring a mild onion flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
Served with Bacon Bits
- Add crispy bacon bits as a topping for an extra crunch and smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A fresh garden salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
How to Perfect Baked Potato Soup
To ensure your Baked Potato Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose the right potatoes: Using russet potatoes gives the soup its signature texture and creaminess.
- Cook bacon until crispy: This adds depth of flavor and texture to your soup.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor profile compared to pre-minced options.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer or use less broth.
- Incorporate spices: Adding spices like paprika or cayenne can elevate your soup’s flavor even further.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is versatile and goes well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside it.
- Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted with butter and garlic gives a crunchy contrast.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in Caesar dressing adds freshness.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic comfort food that’s gooey and satisfying alongside the soup.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a nutritious touch while balancing the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and fluffy muffins provide a delightful pairing.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer an elegant touch to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Potato Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
- Using low-quality potatoes: Low-starch potatoes won’t yield a creamy texture. Choose high-starch russet potatoes for the best results.
- Overcooking the bacon: Burnt bacon can ruin the dish’s flavor. Cook it until just crispy, then remove from heat to avoid bitterness.
- Ignoring the thickness: If your soup is too thin, it might not be satisfying. Use flour and butter to create a roux for added creaminess.
- Rushing the cooking time: Shortening cook time can prevent flavors from melding. Allow your ingredients to simmer properly for maximum taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Baked Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Baked Potato Soup:
Can I use different types of potatoes for Baked Potato Soup?
Yes, while russet potatoes are recommended for their creaminess, you can use other varieties like Yukon golds or reds if preferred.
How can I make my Baked Potato Soup vegetarian?
You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
What toppings go well with Baked Potato Soup?
Popular toppings include extra chives, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Can I make Baked Potato Soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors develop. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Potato Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins like broccoli or ham. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup will surely satisfy any craving. Give it a try and enjoy its comforting warmth!
Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul with every spoonful. This creamy, hearty soup is loaded with crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, making it a perfect dish for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare in under 45 minutes, this recipe serves eight, ensuring everyone can enjoy its delightful flavors. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Baked Potato Soup is versatile enough to be customized with your favorite toppings like jalapeños or extra cheese. Dive into the creamy goodness and embrace the warmth of this deliciously comforting soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and cube the russet potatoes; dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble once cooled.
- Sauté onions in the leftover bacon grease until translucent, then add minced garlic.
- Stir in butter and gradually add flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth.
- Add cubed potatoes along with salt and pepper; bring to a boil then simmer until tender (about 20 minutes).
- Mix in half-and-half and sour cream; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve topped with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
