Creamy Dreamy Baked Potato Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives in a bowl with this creamy potato soup that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.

Cozy winter evenings demand a warm embrace of flavors swirling through this hearty baked potato soup recipe.

Potatoes become the star of this rich, velvety dish, promising satisfaction in every spoonful.

Chunks of tender potato blend seamlessly with smooth, creamy broth that hints at deep, homemade goodness.

Crispy bacon bits and fresh chives add a delightful crunch and burst of color to this classic comfort meal.

Fragrant and filling, this soup delivers warmth and nourishment with remarkable ease.

Each serving promises a delicious journey that will have you reaching for seconds before the first bite is finished.

Why Baked Potato Soup Satisfies

• Boiling and mashing potatoes becomes a breeze with this simple technique, making complex cooking steps feel like a walk in the park.
• Flexible consistency lets you blend or leave chunks, perfect for personal preferences and different family member tastes.
• Professional-level flavors come together with basic ingredients, transforming everyday cooking into a gourmet experience.
• Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps mean you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, hearty meal with loved ones.

Baked Potato Soup Ingredients

• Bacon: Provides a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the soup.

• Potatoes, Onion, Garlic: Create a hearty base with rich, comforting flavors and creamy texture.

• Chicken Broth, Half and Half, Sour Cream: Contribute to the soup's creamy consistency and enhance its rich taste.
• Butter, Shredded Cheese: Add smoothness and depth of flavor to the soup.

• Salt, Pepper, Flour: Balance the flavors and provide a velvety thickness to the soup.

• Chives: Add a fresh, mild onion-like flavor and bright green color to the finished dish.

Tools for Creamy Soup Prep

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking bacon, sautéing onions, and preparing the soup base.
• Stock Pot: Needed for boiling and draining potatoes before mashing.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping bacon, potatoes, onions, and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth roux and blend ingredients evenly.
• Immersion Blender or Regular Blender: Helps achieve a creamy, smooth soup texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.

How to Make Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Bacon

Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large pot over low heat.

Stir occasionally until the bacon turns golden and crisp.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Boil Tender Potatoes

Place cubed potatoes in a stock pot and cover with water.

Add a pinch of salt and simmer gently for 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain the water and softly mash the potatoes, then set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Add diced onions to the pot with bacon drippings.

Cook for 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.

Toss in minced garlic and butter, cooking for an additional minute to release their fragrant flavors.

Step 4: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the pot and whisk continuously for one minute.

This process cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup.

Step 5: Build Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Slowly add half and half, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.

Step 6: Blend Creamy Textures

Incorporate the mashed potatoes and sour cream into the soup.

For an ultra-smooth consistency, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.

Step 7: Melt In Cheesy Goodness

Gradually sprinkle shredded cheese into the soup, stirring constantly.

Be careful to keep the temperature moderate to prevent the cheese from clumping.

Step 8: Finish And Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls.

Top with crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped chives.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Potato Soup Tips and Tricks

• Render bacon slowly over low heat to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor without burning, which helps extract delicious drippings for cooking.
• Boil potatoes gently and test with a fork to guarantee tender texture without becoming mushy or falling apart during cooking.
• Use an immersion blender for easier soup blending, preventing messy transfers and creating a consistently creamy texture without extra dishes.
• Add cheese gradually and at lower temperatures to prevent clumping, ensuring a silky smooth soup with perfectly melted cheese throughout.
• Let dairy ingredients like sour cream and half and half sit at room temperature before adding to prevent potential curdling and ensure smoother integration.

Baked Potato Soup Variations

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a safe alternative for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the soup's classic creamy consistency and comfort food appeal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of half and half, and nutritional yeast in place of cheese to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Serving Up Baked Potato Soup

• Cozy Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or rustic French bread to soak up every delicious spoonful of creamy soup.
• Toppings Galore: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese on top for a customizable bowl that looks stunning.
• Hearty Side Salad: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the potato soup and add fresh crunch to your meal.
• Winter Comfort Combo: Create a complete comforting dinner by serving this soup with a small grilled cheese sandwich cut into triangles for dipping and sharing.

Potato Soup Storage Tips

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid adding garnishes before freezing.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 1-2 minutes total.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the cheese from clumping when adding it to the soup?

Add the cheese gradually and stir constantly. Make sure the soup isn’t boiling hot, as high temperatures can cause cheese to separate and become grainy. Sprinkle cheese in small handfuls and stir until each batch is fully melted before adding more.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use plant-based butter and omit bacon for a completely vegetarian version.

• What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which helps create a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also excellent, offering a buttery flavor and smooth consistency.

Creamy and Hearty Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic potato soup delights with its rich, comforting blend of russet potatoes, crisp bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Creamy textures and bold flavors make this simple soup a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes (approximately 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 cup chives, finely diced

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients at room temperature, including shredded cheese, sour cream, and half and half.
2. Slice bacon into 1-inch pieces and render in a large pot over low heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings.
3. Cube potatoes and boil in salted water for 20 minutes until easily pierced with a fork. Drain and gently mash, keeping some texture.
4. Sauté diced onions in bacon drippings for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and butter, cooking for an additional minute.
5. Incorporate flour, whisking continuously for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour flavor and create a smooth base.
6. Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Gradually add half and half, bringing to a gentle simmer.
7. Fold in mashed potatoes and sour cream, seasoning with pepper. Use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency if desired.
8. Slowly incorporate shredded cheese, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Maintain a moderate temperature to ensure smooth integration.
9. Ladle soup into bowls, topping with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Potato Perfection Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the creamiest texture and best flavor absorption.
• Bacon Brilliance Use thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and a satisfying crunch when crumbled as a topping.
• Consistency Control If the soup becomes too thick, thin it with additional chicken broth or warm milk until desired smoothness is achieved.
• Dietary Flexibility For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with whole milk and use turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 496
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg