This Baked Potato Soup is a delightful blend of creamy flavors and hearty ingredients, making it perfect for cozy evenings or as a comforting dish during chilly days. Packed with the rich taste of bacon, cheddar cheese, and smooth potatoes, this soup will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main meal, its versatility and satisfaction make it a favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: This soup features a thick and creamy broth that comforts with every spoonful.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, making this soup is hassle-free.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of bacon, cheese, and chives offers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a starter or main course; serve it alongside bread for a complete meal.
- Crowd Pleaser: This recipe serves 8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Baked Potato Soup, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Whisk
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows even cooking and prevents spills while simmering the soup.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and safe.
- Whisk: Useful for blending flour into the mixture smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
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
- ¼ cup flour
For the Creaminess
- 3 ½ cups Chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- ¾ cup sour cream
For Seasoning and Topping
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/8 cup chives (finely diced)
How to Make Baked Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if desired, then chop them into cubes. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In your large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pot and place on paper towels to drain excess fat. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add diced onion to the pot with bacon grease. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Add butter to the pot along with flour. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown.
Step 5: Add Broth and Potatoes
Gradually whisk in chicken broth while ensuring no lumps form. Add chopped potatoes and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Blend in Creaminess
Once potatoes are tender, stir in half and half and sour cream. Use a potato masher or immersion blender for your desired consistency.
Step 7: Final Touches
Season with pepper to taste. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted completely. Serve hot topped with crumbled bacon and diced chives. Enjoy your delicious Baked Potato Soup!
How to Serve Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a starter, these serving suggestions will enhance your soup experience.
Top it Off with Toppings
- Chopped Chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Extra Cheese: Add more cheddar cheese for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Crispy Bacon: Crumble extra bacon on top to elevate the savory taste.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty French Bread: Serve alongside a warm baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These add a flavorful crunch to each bite of soup.
Serve in Unique Bowls
- Bread Bowl: For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
- Mini Mason Jars: Use small jars for individual servings, perfect for gatherings.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic choice that balances the richness of the soup.
- Garden Salad: Fresh greens provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
How to Perfect Baked Potato Soup
To make your Baked Potato Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality chicken broth enhance flavor significantly.
- Adjust Thickness: For creamier soup, blend a portion before adding sour cream.
- Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Crispy bacon adds texture and depth to your soup.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go to ensure proper seasoning without overpowering flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Potato Soup
A hearty bowl of Baked Potato Soup pairs perfectly with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
- Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery knots infused with garlic flavor are perfect for sopping up soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables adds nutrition and color to your plate.
- Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and mozzarella provides a light contrast to the rich soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic comfort food that melts beautifully alongside hot soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers can be an excellent filling side dish option.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful pairing with savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can help you make the best Baked Potato Soup. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal. Stick with russet potatoes for a creamy texture and flavor.
- Skipping the bacon: Bacon adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; instead, use thick-cut bacon for extra richness.
- Not seasoning enough: Proper seasoning elevates your soup’s taste. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook them too long, they may turn mushy. Check for tenderness but retain some texture.
- Neglecting garnishes: Toppings like chives and cheese enhance your soup’s visual appeal and flavor. Don’t forget them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Baked Potato Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Baked Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Baked Potato Soup:
Can I make Baked Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator or freeze it as instructed above.
How can I customize Baked Potato Soup?
You can customize it by adding different toppings like crispy onions, jalapeños, or even additional vegetables.
Is Baked Potato Soup healthy?
While it’s comfort food, you can make it healthier by using low-fat dairy options or reducing the amount of bacon.
What can I serve with Baked Potato Soup?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth if you want a vegetarian version of this soup.
Final Thoughts
Baked Potato Soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and savory flavors that many love. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave comfort food. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients—it’s versatile enough to satisfy various tastes!
Baked Potato Soup
Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. This creamy and hearty soup features a delightful blend of russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese, creating a warm hug in a bowl. The smooth texture, combined with the savory notes of garlic and onion, makes each spoonful a satisfying experience. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish, this easy-to-prepare recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Garnish with fresh chives and extra cheese for an added touch of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 6 slices thick cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Wash and chop the russet potatoes into cubes.
- In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy; remove and set aside.
- Sauté diced onion in bacon grease until translucent, then add minced garlic.
- Stir in butter and flour to create a roux for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, adding chopped potatoes and salt; bring to a boil then simmer until tender (about 20 minutes).
- Mix in half and half and sour cream; blend for desired consistency.
- Season with pepper and stir in cheddar cheese until melted; serve hot topped with crumbled bacon and chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
