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Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Easy & Creamy

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A rich, creamy, and comforting soup made with russet potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. It delivers the taste of a loaded baked potato in a hearty bowl, ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy (8-10 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot.
  2. Add the diced yellow onion to the pot with the bacon grease and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Add the diced russet potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  6. For a chunky soup, leave potatoes as is. For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree half the potatoes or mash them against the side of the pot.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
  8. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the bacon and cheese are already salty.
  10. Ladle into bowls and top with reserved crispy bacon, extra cheddar, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use russet potatoes for the best texture as they break down and thicken the soup naturally. Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If using leftover potatoes, add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking. For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and smoked paprika for bacon.

Nutrition

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

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