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.
