Looking for a hearty and comforting soup to warm your soul? This recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, this soup has won the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide, making it a timeless favorite. The subtle addition of hot sauce and basil adds a unique twist that will keep your taste buds intrigued.
Serving this soup at your dinner table will surely impress your guests and leave them yearning for more. The blend of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your senses.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup
– Hearty and Filling: Packed with wholesome ingredients to keep you satisfied.
– Comfort in a Bowl: A classic comfort food that provides warmth and coziness.
– Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and common pantry staples make this recipe a breeze.
– Customizable Flavors: Play around with toppings like extra cheese or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
– Potatoes: 4 large potatoes, diced.
– Onions: 1 cup, diced.
– Milk: 2 cups.
– Chicken Bouillon Cubes: 3 cubes.
– Flour: 2 tablespoons.
– Herbs and Spices: Dried parsley, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
– Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
– Bacon: 6 slices, fried.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
1. In a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, add diced potatoes and cover with water (approximately 3-4 cups).
2. Allow the potatoes to cook until tender.
Step 2: Creating the Soup Base
1. Add milk, chicken bouillon cubes, diced onions, dried parsley, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and a piece of bacon. Mix well.
2. Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture, stirring until thickened.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Step 3: Serving the Soup
1. Dice the remaining bacon for garnish.
2. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and top with extra cheese and diced bacon.
Storage Options
To store any leftovers, transfer the soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to maintain its creamy consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
– Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken bouillon cubes and omit the bacon for a meat-free option.
– Spicy Twist: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
– Loaded Toppings: Experiment with toppings like sour cream, green onions, or crispy breadcrumbs for added texture.
– Herbaceous Flavors: Infuse the soup with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
What to Serve With Loaded Baked Potato Soup
– Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
– Side Salad: A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
– Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food combo that never disappoints.
– Crunchy Coleslaw: The crisp texture of coleslaw adds a delightful contrast to the smooth soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bacon substitutes for this recipe ?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon, beef bacon, or vegan bacon as alternatives to traditional pork bacon.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes before dicing them ?
Peeling the potatoes is optional and depends on your preference. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients to the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time ?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Allow the flavors to meld overnight for even more depth of taste.
How can I make this soup creamier ?
For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
Indulge in a bowl of this Loaded Baked Potato Soup and experience pure comfort with every spoonful. The velvety richness of the soup, combined with the savory bacon and cheese, will warm your soul and leave you feeling satisfied. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes diced
Onions
- 1 cup onions diced
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cubes chicken bouillon
- 2 tbsp flour
Herbs and Spices
- dried parsley
- garlic powder
- dried basil
- salt
- pepper
- hot sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon fried
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, add diced potatoes and cover with water (approximately 3-4 cups). Allow the potatoes to cook until tender.
- Add milk, chicken bouillon cubes, diced onions, dried parsley, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and a piece of bacon. Mix well.
- Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture, stirring until thickened. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Dice the remaining bacon for garnish. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and top with extra cheese and diced bacon.