Description
Discover how to make easy baked potato soup that’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Ingredients List
To make the perfect baked potato soup, gather these ingredients:
- Russet Potatoes: 5 large, peeled and diced.
- Bacon: 6 strips, cooked and crumbled.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Chicken Stock: 4 cups, for a savory base.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for a rich texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded.
- Sour Cream: ½ cup, for tanginess.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Garnish: Chopped chives, additional bacon, or shredded cheese.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon grease for added flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Stock:
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Blend or Mash:
- Use an immersion blender for a smooth soup, or a potato masher for a chunkier texture. Adjust to your preference.
- Incorporate Creamy Ingredients:
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer and Serve:
- Simmer the soup on low heat for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Ladle into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, chives, or additional cheese.
Notes
Expert Tips and Notes
Tips for Next-Level Potato Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly peeled potatoes and high-quality cheese elevate the flavor of your soup. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s texture, so grate your cheese for the creamiest results.
- Balance the Seasoning: Potatoes can be bland without proper seasoning. Season in layers—add salt and pepper during sautéing, simmering, and final tasting for a well-rounded flavor.
- Customize Your Consistency: If you prefer your soup thicker, reduce the amount of stock slightly or mash more of the potatoes. For a silkier texture, blend the entire batch until smooth.
- Elevate with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill add a pop of freshness. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking for maximum impact.
- Make It Loaded: Transform your soup into a loaded baked potato bowl by adding extra toppings like sour cream, crumbled bacon, green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce.