📑 Table of Contents ▶
- Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
- Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe: A Cozy Delight
- Fundamentals
- Preparation/setup
- Mastering the Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
- Technique
- Tips/tricks
- Perfecting Your Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
- Perfecting results
- Troubleshooting/variations
- Serving Your Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
- Serving/presentation
- Pairings/storage
- Conclusion
- FAQs – Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
I’m Chloe—and if you’ve ever found yourself smiling while stirring a simmering pot or sneaking a taste of cookie dough straight from the bowl, then you’re in the right place.
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Over time, this blog has become more than just a collection of recipes—it’s become a community. I’ve been lucky to connect with so many incredible home cooks who share their tips, tweaks, and even their flops with such honesty and enthusiasm. It reminds me why I started this in the first place: to bring people together, one bite at a time.
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Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Learn how to make a delicious loaded baked potato soup with this simple recipe. Perfect for cozy nights in, this soup is sure to warm you up!
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes (about 800g), scrubbed
- 8 beef bacon slices
- 4 tbsp (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) yellow onion
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk (480 ml)
- 1 cup half and half (240 ml)
- 2 cups chicken stock (480 ml)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) garlic salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) black pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
- fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prick the potatoes several times with a fork and microwave them for 12 to 15 minutes until soft. Carefully cut the potatoes in half and let them cool. Once they are manageable, peel off the skins and chop them into chunks.
- While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are crispy. Move them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and cool. Save up to 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease, discarding the rest. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small bits.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add the saved bacon grease, minced garlic, and onion, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate the milk and half-and-half, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Gradually pour in the chicken stock. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and add salt, garlic salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer lightly until the soup thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- If you want to use cheese and bacon for garnish, set aside 1/4 cup of each. Mix the remaining cheese, bacon, and plain yogurt into the soup. Take the pot off the heat. Add the potato chunks to the soup, mashing them into smaller pieces or leaving them chunky based on your preference. Serve hot, topped with your choice of garnishes such as cheese, bacon, and fresh chives.
Notes
- Blend the soup with a hand blender for a creamier texture before adding the potato chunks.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, garlic salt, or black pepper to suit your taste.
- Add a smoky touch with smoked cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of smoked paprika as a garnish.
Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe: A Cozy Delight
Fundamentals
Creating a simple loaded baked potato soup recipe starts with understanding the basics of flavor and texture. Potatoes form the heart of this dish, providing a creamy base that soaks up the flavors of bacon and cheese. The key is to choose the right potatoes—russets are ideal for their starchy texture that helps thicken the soup naturally.
Bacon adds a smoky depth, while a combination of mild and sharp cheddar cheeses brings a rich creaminess. Low-fat milk and half-and-half create a luscious, velvety consistency without being overly heavy. The blend of garlic, onion, and seasonings like garlic salt and black pepper enhances the savory profile, making each spoonful a harmonious experience.
Preparation/setup
Begin by preparing the potatoes. Prick them with a fork and microwave until they’re soft. This method is quick and convenient, ensuring the potatoes are ready when you need them. Once cooled, peel and chop them into chunks, setting the stage for a hearty soup.
While the potatoes cook, fry the beef bacon until crispy. The crispy texture will add a contrast to the creamy soup, while the rendered bacon grease is a flavor goldmine. Save a tablespoon of the grease for cooking the garlic and onion, and crumble the bacon for a crunchy topping.
Mastering the Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Technique
The technique for a simple loaded baked potato soup recipe involves creating a rich roux to thicken the soup. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot, add the saved bacon grease, and sauté minced garlic and onion until fragrant. Gradually whisk in flour, letting it cook briefly to remove the raw taste.
Slowly incorporate the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The goal is a smooth, creamy base that will carry the flavors of the soup. Adding chicken stock further enhances the soup’s depth, and a gentle simmer allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Tips/tricks
For the best results, allow the soup to simmer gently, not boil, which helps maintain a creamy texture without separating. Season the soup gradually, tasting as you go to ensure a balanced flavor. If you prefer a smoother soup, mash the potatoes more thoroughly or use an immersion blender for a silky consistency.
Consider setting aside some cheese and bacon for garnish, ensuring each bowl looks as delicious as it tastes. Fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
Perfecting Your Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Perfecting results
Achieving the perfect simple loaded baked potato soup recipe involves attention to detail. Ensure all ingredients are fresh and well-prepared. Quality cheese and bacon make a significant difference in flavor, so opt for the best you can find.
Balance is key in this recipe. The richness of cheese and bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy potato base, while the tang of plain yogurt adds a refreshing contrast. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties or garnishes to make the soup your own.
Troubleshooting/variations
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more chicken stock or milk to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer, allowing more liquid to evaporate. Experiment with variations like adding sautéed mushrooms or a dash of paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
To explore more delicious variations, consider trying recipes like loaded potato salad for a cold version, or loaded baked potato bites with bacon and chives for a bite-sized treat.
Serving Your Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Serving/presentation
Serving your simple loaded baked potato soup recipe with style elevates the dining experience. Use deep bowls to serve the soup hot, ensuring it stays warm throughout the meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of reserved cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh chives for a visually appealing finish.
Consider pairing the soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the dish. The soup’s creamy and savory flavors make it a versatile option for any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.
Pairings/storage
When it comes to pairings, opt for refreshing beverages like iced tea or a light lemonade to complement the soup’s richness. For leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Simple Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
If you’re planning to make the soup ahead of time, prepare all the components and assemble them just before serving. This approach ensures the flavors remain vibrant, and the garnishes retain their texture.
Conclusion
This simple loaded baked potato soup recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and smoky flavors that satisfy the soul. The combination of potatoes, bacon, and cheese creates a comforting dish that’s both hearty and indulgent.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease of preparation, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Whether you enjoy it as a warming meal on a chilly evening or a centerpiece for a family gathering, this soup is sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.
With its rich taste and straightforward method, this soup exemplifies the joy of cooking, inviting you to savor each step of the process and each spoonful of the result. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to share.
