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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

cozy loaded baked potato soup - featured image

A creamy, flavorful baked potato soup loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onions. Perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 g), peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces / 115 g), plus extra for topping
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced russet potatoes with olive oil and a pinch of salt on a large baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to roast evenly.
  2. Roast the potatoes for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy but tender.
  3. While potatoes roast, cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
  4. Sauté the chopped onion in the bacon fat for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the roasted potatoes to the pot along with 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and softened cream cheese. Slowly add this mixture to the pot, stirring well to avoid lumps. Heat through for about 5 minutes without boiling.
  7. Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar and sour cream until cheese melts and soup is creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately topped with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, extra cheddar, and optionally a dollop of sour cream or chives.

Notes

Roasting potatoes before adding to soup enhances flavor and texture. Use low and slow sautéing for onions to avoid bitterness. Soften cream cheese before adding to prevent lumps. For smoother soup, blend partially with immersion blender. Adjust seasoning gradually as potatoes absorb salt. Variations include vegetarian, low-carb, spicy, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato soup, comfort food, creamy soup, loaded baked potato, easy soup recipe, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup