There’s just something about a chilly day that screams “SOUP!” And not just any soup, but something warm, hearty, and utterly comforting. That’s where this **Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup** comes in. Seriously, it’s like a hug in a bowl! It’s got all the best parts of a loaded baked potato, but in soup form. What’s not to love?
I swear, my family goes absolutely bonkers for this stuff. The second the temperature dips, they’re begging me to make a batch. And honestly? I don’t mind one bit. It’s super easy to whip up, and the best part is, everyone can customize their toppings to their heart’s content. So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, belly-warming meal that’s both easy and adaptable, look no further. This Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is your answer!
Why You’ll Love This Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Okay, so why *should* you make this soup? Let me tell you! It’s got all the good stuff. Seriously, check it out:
- Super quick to prep – like, weeknight dinner quick!
- Toppings? Go wild! Customize it to your heart’s content.
- That creamy texture? To die for!
- The flavor is pure comfort food heaven.
- Even the kids will eat it (and ask for seconds!).
Quick and Easy Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Seriously, who has hours to spend making dinner on a Tuesday? Not me! This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. You can get this Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup on the table faster than you can order takeout. Boom!
Customizable Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
My favorite part? Everyone gets to make it their own! Don’t like bacon? No problem! Want extra cheese? Go for it! This soup is a blank canvas for all your favorite baked potato toppings. It’s a win-win!
Ingredients for Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your fridge!
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed – gotta have those potatoes!
- 4 cups chicken broth – this gives it a lovely savory base.
- 1 cup milk – for that creamy goodness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – adds a little tang and richness.
- 1/4 cup butter – because everything’s better with butter, right?
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – this helps thicken things up.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – the more cheese, the merrier, I say!
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled – crispy, salty perfection!
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions – for a little freshness and zing.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season it right!
How to Make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is super easy, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be slurping down a bowl of deliciousness in no time!
Preparing the Potatoes for Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
First things first, grab those peeled and cubed potatoes and toss ’em into a pot with the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender – about 15-20 minutes should do it. Now, here’s a little trick: don’t mash ’em completely! Leave some chunks for that authentic baked potato feel. Trust me, it’s way better that way!
Creating the Creamy Base for Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
While those potatoes are doing their thing, let’s whip up the creamy base. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste – we call this a roux! Then, slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to keep stirring so you don’t get any lumps. Keep whisking until it’s nice and smooth. This is important!
Combining and Finishing the Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Alright, now for the grand finale! Pour that creamy milk mixture into the pot with the potatoes. Stir it all together until it’s nicely combined. Now, take it off the heat and stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon (mmm, bacon!), and green onions. Don’t be shy with the cheese – the more, the merrier, right?
Season it all up with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, then pop it back on the stove over low heat just to warm it through. You don’t want to boil it, just heat it up gently. Now, grab a bowl, ladle in that Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup, and get ready to enjoy the best darn soup you’ve had in ages!
Tips for the Best Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Want to take your Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way that’ll make all the difference.
First, don’t overcook the potatoes! Mushy potatoes = sad soup. You want them fork-tender, but still holding their shape. Also, spring for the good cheese! That pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same. Trust me on this one. And finally, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust your seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can really bring out the flavors. Happy slurping!
Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup and you’re loving it! But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! This soup is super versatile. You can try different cheeses, throw in some veggies, play around with spices – the possibilities are endless!
Experimenting with Cheese for Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Cheddar’s classic, but why stop there? Try using pepper jack for a little kick! Or maybe some Gruyere for a fancy, nutty flavor. Seriously, any cheese that melts well will work wonders in this soup!
Adding Vegetables to Your Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Roast some broccoli or corn and stir it in at the end! It adds a whole new layer of flavor and makes the soup even heartier. Trust me, it’s delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Okay, so you’ve got a big bowl of Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup… but what do you serve with it? Well, let me tell you, there are tons of options! I personally love a big hunk of crusty bread for dipping. Mmm! A simple side salad is always a good choice too. Or, for the ultimate comfort food combo, how about a grilled cheese sandwich? Yum!
Storing and Reheating Your Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup keeps great. Just pop it in the fridge in an airtight container – it’ll be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can simmer it gently on the stovetop or nuke it in the microwave. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Got questions about this Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup? I got you! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me. Hopefully, this clears everything up!
Can I make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often do. Just make the soup according to the instructions, but hold off on adding the sour cream and cheese. Store it in the fridge, and then when you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently and stir in the sour cream and cheese right before serving. Easy peasy!
Can I freeze Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
You can, but it’s not my *favorite* thing to do. The texture can change a bit after freezing and thawing, especially with the potatoes and dairy. But if you’re in a pinch, go for it! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of milk to get it back to the right consistency.
Can I make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup in a slow cooker?
Yup! Just toss the potatoes and chicken broth into your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Then, mash ’em up a bit, stir in the milk, butter, flour (mixed into a slurry with a little cold water to prevent lumps!), sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper, and let it heat through for another 30 minutes or so. Boom! Slow cooker Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup!
Nutritional Information for Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Okay, so you wanna know about the nutritional info for this Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup? Well, here’s the deal: it’s tough to give exact numbers because, you know, everyone uses different brands and amounts of stuff. But, I can give you a general idea. For more information on general nutritional guidelines, you can check out resources like the National Nutrition Portal.
Just keep in mind that this is an estimate, and it can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. So, if you’re counting every calorie, it’s always best to do your own calculations based on the labels of your ingredients. Okay? Good! Now, go enjoy that soup!
Enjoy Your Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup!
Alright, you’ve made it! Time to dig in and enjoy that **Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup**! I really hope you love it as much as my family does. If you do, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, don’t forget to share your masterpiece on social media! Happy slurping!
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Delicious Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Just 4 Steps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a warm and hearty loaded baked potato soup. This creamy soup is packed with potato flavor and topped with your favorite baked potato toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in chicken broth until tender.
- Mash potatoes slightly, leaving some chunks.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Pour milk mixture into potato mixture.
- Stir in sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat through and serve.
Notes
- You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust the amount of milk to your desired consistency.
- Add more cheese or bacon to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
