Loaded Baked Potato Soup

 

🥔 Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, and Loaded Baked Potato Soup takes comfort food to the next level. Packed with tender potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and all the classic baked potato toppings, this soup is hearty enough for dinner but simple enough to make any night of the week.

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🥄 Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Creamy and rich: Smooth potatoes and cheddar cheese create a comforting, velvety texture.

• Full of flavor: Bacon, green onions, and garlic bring every spoonful to life.

• Customizable: Add extra toppings or proteins to make it your own.

• Family-friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

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🧾 Ingredients

• 4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional toppings: sour cream, extra cheese, green onions, crumbled bacon

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🔪 Directions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove it, leaving a little bacon grease in the pot.

2. Sauté aromatics: Cook chopped onion in the bacon grease until translucent, then add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

3. Cook potatoes: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

4. Blend (optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.

5. Add cheese and milk: Stir in shredded cheddar and milk until the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve and top: Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

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🌟 Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian version: Skip bacon and use vegetable broth; add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

• Thicker soup: Mash some potatoes before adding milk.

• Add protein: Stir in diced ham or cooked chicken for a heartier meal.

• Slow cooker method: Combine all ingredients except cheese and milk in a slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours, then add cheese and milk before serving.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

• Great for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy winter nights.

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💛 The Bottom Line

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors of a loaded baked potato. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and satisfying to eat, this soup is perfect for cold nights, casual dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort.