Baked Potato Soup: A Comforting Classic

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, creamy soup to warm you up on a chilly day, and this Baked Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. With its hearty potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety smooth base, this soup is a filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Inspired by the classic baked potato, this version transforms the familiar flavors into a creamy, satisfying soup. The combination of butter, milk, and flour creates a luscious base that perfectly complements the tender potatoes and the savory toppings. Whether served as a starter or as the main event, this soup will leave you feeling cozy and content. It’s a fantastic dish for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep, as it stores well for leftovers. The addition of bacon bits, green onions, and cheese gives the soup an extra layer of flavor and texture, making each spoonful something to look forward to. If you’re craving something comforting, simple, and delicious, this Baked Potato Soup will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of milk, butter, and flour creates a thick, creamy base that perfectly coats the tender chunks of potato, making every bite indulgent.

2. Loaded with Flavor

Topped with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, this soup is packed with flavors reminiscent of a classic baked potato.

3. Hearty and Filling

With a base of hearty potatoes and a rich broth, this soup is filling enough to serve as a meal in itself. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening.

4. Easy to Make

Despite its comforting flavors, this soup is simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on time.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day. It even tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld!

Ingredients

• Baking potatoes
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Bacon bits (divided)
• Green onions, chopped
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Variations

• Vegan Version: Swap the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. You can replace the sour cream with a vegan sour cream or a cashew cream for richness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to give the soup a spicy flavor. You can also top the soup with a dash of hot sauce or sriracha.
• Herbed Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the soup for an aromatic touch. You can even sprinkle some on top before serving for extra flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.

Step 3: Add Milk and Seasonings

Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in the salt and pepper. Continue to cook and whisk until the soup begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Once the milk mixture has thickened, add the cooked potatoes to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture, leaving some potato chunks intact for a more rustic feel.

Step 5: Stir in the Toppings

Add the sour cream and ½ of the bacon bits to the soup, stirring until well combined. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For a Creamier Soup: You can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency while leaving some potato chunks for texture.
• Avoid Lumpy Soup: When adding the milk to the roux, add it gradually and whisk constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
• Adjust the Thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more milk or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made a day or two in advance, as the flavors will meld together and taste even better after resting.

How to Serve

This Baked Potato Soup is perfect served on its own or with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can also pair it with a sandwich or even a simple protein like grilled chicken or a side of roasted vegetables. The toppings—bacon, cheese, and green onions—add texture and flavor, making this soup both satisfying and indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra milk or broth if needed to reach your preferred consistency.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding milk as necessary to restore the creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little milk to bring it back to your desired texture. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use russet potatoes instead of baking potatoes?

Yes, russet potatoes are perfect for this soup as they are starchy and break down well when cooked.

2. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or skim milk, but keep in mind that the soup may be slightly less creamy. You can also add a bit more butter or sour cream to compensate.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks to the soup for added flavor and texture. Be sure to cook them until tender before adding the potatoes.

5. How can I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.

6. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, pre-cooked bacon bits can be used for convenience. Just be sure to add them to the soup at the end to keep them crispy.

7. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the potatoes in a slow cooker and then follow the remaining steps to make the roux and add the toppings. Slow cookers work well for making this soup and allow for easy hands-off cooking.

8. How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?

The potatoes are ready when they are easily pierced with a fork and break apart easily.

9. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

10. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Conclusion

This Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, with its creamy, velvety texture and rich flavors of cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold day or something to serve at your next gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit. The hearty potatoes and indulgent toppings make it a filling dish that everyone will love, and with the option to store leftovers, it’s perfect for meal prep. If you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Baked Potato Soup is the perfect choice.

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