Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate dish for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm, hearty, and satisfying. This rich, creamy soup features tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and crumbled turkey bacon, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s sure to become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and turkey bacon creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal effort, you can whip up this comforting soup in under an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: The recipe can be adjusted easily with different toppings or broth options based on what you have at hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for quick meals throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender (or stand blender)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup base evenly without spilling.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for even cooking of ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Creaminess

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For Toppings

• 4 slices Turkey Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Seasonings and Cooking Essentials

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

How to Make Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot along with chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Blend Soup

Once potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth or slightly chunky texture as preferred. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a stand blender and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Continue cooking over low heat until cheese fully melts and soup is heated through—around 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle soup into serving bowls. Top each portion with crumbled Turkey Bacon, additional shredded cheese, and chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!

How to Serve Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Green Onions: Add a burst of freshness and color. The crunch complements the creamy texture of the soup.
• Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded sharp cheddar on top for a cheesy indulgence that melts beautifully.
• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: For added flavor and a bit of crunch, finish your bowl with a sprinkle of crumbled Turkey Bacon.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve warm bread rolls on the side for dipping in the soup. They soak up the flavors perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of toasted garlic bread offers a savory contrast to the rich soup, making every bite enjoyable.

Create a Complete Meal

• Simple Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup. Consider adding nuts or seeds for extra texture.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, crispy grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping into the soup’s creamy goodness.

How to Perfect Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

To make your Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and quality broth. This enhances the overall flavor profile of your soup.
• Adjust Texture: Blend the soup to your preferred consistency—smooth or chunky—using an immersion blender or stand blender.
• Season Generously: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to suit your taste.
• Top Creatively: Experiment with toppings like sour cream or avocado slices for extra creaminess and flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing and croutons makes a refreshing companion.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your plate while complementing the soup’s flavors.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up delicious broth while adding warmth to your meal.
4. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, and spices for a hearty side that pairs well with potato soup.
5. Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, quinoa mixed with fresh vegetables provides a nutritious boost alongside your soup.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory flavors in the potato soup, creating a harmonious balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Ignoring the Potatoes: Using potatoes that aren’t fresh can lead to a mushy soup. Always choose firm, unblemished russet potatoes for the best results.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs throughout the cooking process to ensure flavorful layers.
• Overcooking the Potatoes: Cooking potatoes too long can make them fall apart. Keep an eye on them and cook until they are fork-tender but not mushy.
• Not Blending Enough: A chunky texture may not appeal to everyone. Blend the soup to your preferred consistency for a creamy finish.
• Forgetting About Toppings: Toppings elevate the soup’s flavor and presentation. Don’t skip adding crumbled Turkey Bacon, cheese, and green onions before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in a covered oven-safe dish, and heat for about 20–30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While sharp cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for unique flavors.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the Turkey Bacon. You could also add more vegetables for extra nutrition.

What should I serve with Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.

Can I customize my toppings?

Absolutely! Besides Turkey Bacon and green onions, consider adding crispy chickpeas, avocado slices, or even jalapeños for heat.

Final Thoughts

Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a versatile dish perfect for chilly evenings. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite among family members of all ages. Feel free to customize toppings or ingredients to suit your taste preferences!

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Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the warmth and heartiness of Comforting Loaded Baked Potato Soup, the perfect dish for chilly evenings. This creamy masterpiece combines tender russet potatoes with rich cheddar cheese and crumbled turkey bacon, offering a satisfying bowl of comfort that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this soup not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. Enjoy it topped with fresh green onions and savory garnishes for an extra flavor boost.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large russet potatoes, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onion for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add diced potatoes and broth along with thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until desired texture is achieved—smooth or slightly chunky.
4. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese; continue cooking on low heat until the cheese is melted—about 5 minutes.
5. Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled turkey bacon and chopped green onions before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 730mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg