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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

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A rich, comforting soup made with crispy bacon, tender russet potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy homemade recipe delivers the taste of a loaded baked potato in a bowl, ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional, for topping)
  • Chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add olive oil or butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth to prevent lumps. Add cubed potatoes.
  6. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher or spoon to thicken the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
  8. Stir in heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Heat gently over low heat until cheese is melted. Do not boil.
  9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  10. Ladle into bowls and top with remaining cheese, crispy bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit bacon, adding smoked paprika for flavor. If the soup is too thin, simmer uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry. If too thick, add more broth or cream. Do not freeze this soup as the dairy and potatoes may separate upon thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, bacon soup, comfort food, easy dinner, winter soup, cheddar soup, russet potato recipe

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/creamy-loaded-baked-potato-soup-easy-homemade-recipe/