This Baked Potato Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, ideal for chilly nights or gatherings with friends. With its thick, creamy broth loaded with bacon, chives, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, this soup stands out as a hearty meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or at a cozy get-together, it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture – The combination of half-and-half and sour cream creates a luxuriously smooth soup that you won’t forget.
- Loaded with Flavor – Each spoonful bursts with the savory taste of bacon and cheddar, making it irresistible.
- Easy to Prepare – With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dish – Serve it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings; everyone will ask for seconds!
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Baked Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure smooth cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot – Allows ample space to cook the ingredients together evenly without spilling.
- Whisk – Helps in blending the flour smoothly into the broth for a lump-free creamy texture.
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 Thickening
- ¼ cup flour
For Creaminess
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- ¾ cup sour cream
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/8 cup chives (finely diced)
How to Make Baked Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into small cubes. This allows them to cook faster and blend easily into the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, add the thick-cut bacon. Cook until crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside on paper towels. Leave about two tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add chopped onions to the pot with the remaining bacon grease. Sauté until they become translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Base
Stir in the butter until melted. Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and garlic; whisk together for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients
Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add half-and-half next, followed by potatoes and salt.
Step 6: Cook Until Tender
Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Blend & Finish
Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for creaminess while leaving some potato chunks intact. Stir in sour cream, pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and top with crispy bacon pieces before serving.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Baked Potato Soup!
How to Serve Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve your soup with a warm, crusty bread roll for dipping. The crunch of the bread pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the soup.
Topped with Extra Bacon
- Add crispy bacon bits on top of your soup for an extra layer of flavor. This will enhance the savory aspect and provide a delightful crunch.
Drizzled with Sour Cream
- A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the soup. It’s also visually appealing!
Garnished with Chives
- Fresh chives not only add color but also a mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish. Sprinkle them generously before serving.
Served with Salad
- Pair your soup with a fresh garden salad. The crispness of the vegetables balances the richness of the Baked Potato Soup perfectly.
How to Perfect Baked Potato Soup
To make your Baked Potato Soup even better, follow these simple tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh potatoes and high-quality bacon for the best flavors.
- Blend for creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding back in the chunky potatoes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Let it simmer: Allowing your soup to simmer longer will deepen its flavors, making it even more delicious.
- Try different cheeses: While cheddar is classic, experimenting with other cheeses can bring unique flavors to your soup.
- Add vegetables: Consider incorporating veggies like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its hearty nature. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Rich and buttery garlic bread complements the creamy soup while adding a flavorful kick.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crunch and a tangy dressing that contrasts nicely with the warmth of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The melty cheese and crispy bread make this combination irresistible, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of Baked Potato Soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs add an elegant touch to your meal.
- Vegetable Platter: A fresh vegetable platter offers a light option that balances out the richness of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are a fun side that echoes the potato theme while adding texture.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings freshness and variety, making it a great companion to warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Baked Potato Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure a delicious result.
- Using the wrong potatoes: Always opt for russet potatoes. They are starchy and create the best creamy texture.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing onions and garlic enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for a richer soup.
- Overcooking the bacon: Cook bacon until crispy, but not burnt. This adds a nice crunch without bitterness.
- Not seasoning properly: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper levels to enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Using low-quality broth: A good chicken broth makes all the difference. Choose a high-quality brand or homemade for better taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Baked Potato Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Baked Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until evenly warmed.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Baked Potato Soup.
How do I make my Baked Potato Soup thicker?
To thicken your Baked Potato Soup, add more flour during cooking or purée some of the potatoes for a creamier texture.
Can I customize my Baked Potato Soup?
Absolutely! Add toppings like crispy onions, jalapeños, or different cheeses to personalize your Baked Potato Soup.
What can I serve with Baked Potato Soup?
Pair your Baked Potato Soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How long does it take to prepare Baked Potato Soup?
The total time is about 45 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Potato Soup is not only incredibly comforting but also highly versatile. You can easily customize it with various toppings and ingredients. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Baked Potato Soup
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of this Baked Potato Soup, a delightful recipe perfect for chilly evenings and gatherings. This soul-soothing dish features a rich, creamy broth packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and a touch of tangy sour cream. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavor, it will quickly become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread or salad, this soup promises to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- 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
Instructions
- Peel and cube the russet potatoes.
- Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy; set aside.
- Sauté chopped onions in the bacon grease until translucent, then add minced garlic.
- Melt butter, sprinkle flour over the mixture, and whisk for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth and half-and-half; add potatoes and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Blend part of the soup for creaminess; stir in sour cream, pepper, cheese, and crispy bacon before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
