This Baked Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or casual family gatherings. With its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors, it brings warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chives, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of creamy potatoes and smoky bacon creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, making this soup is quick and hassle-free.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like extra cheese or jalapeños for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time; it reheats wonderfully for leftovers.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the hearty taste, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Baked Potato Soup, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here are some essentials you’ll need to prepare this comforting dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space to stir ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables and bacon.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing flour into the broth without clumps, creating a smooth texture.
Ingredients
This Baked Potato Soup has a thick and creamy broth that’s loaded with bacon and chives, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and smooth potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food and so easy to make!
For the Soup Base
- 4 large russet potatoes (equal to 2 lbs.)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 slices thick cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Tablespoon butter
To Thicken
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
For Creaminess
- 2 cups half and half
- ¾ cup sour cream
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/8 cup chives (finely diced)
How to Make Baked Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, then dice them into small cubes.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In your large pot over medium heat, cook the slices of bacon until they are crispy. Remove them from the pot and set them aside on paper towels to drain.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot with some of the rendered bacon fat, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in ¼ cup flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
Step 5: Add Liquids
Gradually whisk in 3 ½ cups of chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add in half-and-half.
Step 6: Incorporate Potatoes
Add your diced potatoes along with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes).
Step 7: Blend
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer it in batches to a countertop blender.
Step 8: Add Creaminess
Stir in sour cream until fully combined.
Step 9: Finish with Toppings
Serve hot topped with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chives for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Baked Potato Soup!
How to Serve Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply want to elevate your meal, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Chives: Finely diced chives add a fresh burst of flavor and a lovely pop of color.
- Bacon Crumbles: Crispy bacon pieces provide extra crunch and richness to each bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for an extra cheesy experience.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread makes a perfect companion, perfect for dipping.
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette can soak up the creamy soup and add texture.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are ideal for sopping up every last drop of soup.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Garden Salad: Fresh greens tossed with a light vinaigrette balance the heaviness of the soup.
How to Perfect Baked Potato Soup
To achieve the best Baked Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality bacon enhance the flavor significantly.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour or reduce liquid as needed.
- Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the soup before mixing it back in.
- Season Well: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at different stages for balanced flavor.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with toppings like green onions or croutons for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup pairs beautifully with several side dishes that complement its creamy texture. Here are some great options to consider.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with rice and meat offer a hearty contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition.
- Quiche Lorraine: This savory egg dish enhances your meal while providing protein.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges keep the theme going and provide extra comfort.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad brings brightness and variety to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Baked Potato Soup from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong potatoes: Choosing waxy potatoes can lead to a less creamy texture. Stick with russet potatoes for the best results.
- Overcooking the bacon: Cooking bacon too long can make it tough. Aim for crispy but not burnt pieces for that perfect flavor infusion.
- Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you cook for maximum flavor.
- Skipping the flour: Not adding flour can result in a runny soup. It helps thicken the broth and gives it a creamy consistency.
- Rushing cooling time: Allowing the soup to cool for a bit before serving helps flavors meld. Don’t rush this step if you want a richer taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Baked Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Potato Soup that you might find helpful.
What is Baked Potato Soup?
Baked Potato Soup is a rich and creamy dish made with potatoes, bacon, cheese, and sour cream. It’s comforting and perfect for chilly days.
Can I make Baked Potato Soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I customize Baked Potato Soup?
Feel free to add toppings like green onions, additional cheese, or even chili flakes for extra spice. Customize it to fit your taste!
How do I thicken my Baked Potato Soup?
If your soup is too thin, you can mix in more flour or cornstarch. Adding mashed potatoes also enhances thickness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Potato Soup offers warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it an irresistible choice for any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients to make it truly your own!
Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings, offering a rich and creamy texture that warms the heart. This delightful soup is loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, creating a satisfying dish that your family will love. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its customizable toppings and hearty flavors, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup flour
- Shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- Chives for topping
Instructions
- Wash and dice the russet potatoes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in the bacon fat until tender.
- Add butter, then stir in flour to form a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half until smooth.
- Incorporate diced potatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer until tender (about 20 minutes).
- Blend for a smoother texture if desired.
- Stir in sour cream until combined.
- Serve hot topped with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
