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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Cheddar

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A comforting and hearty baked potato soup featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy texture, perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6–8 slices bacon
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped chives or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place 6-8 slices of bacon in a cold large pot or skillet over medium heat. Slowly render the fat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the bacon fat and melt over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste; the mixture should bubble and thicken slightly.
  4. Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken broth to avoid lumps. Stir in peeled and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup in the pot for a creamy consistency, leaving the other half chunky. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and return it.
  7. Stir in 1 cup of milk and ½ cup sour cream (optional). Warm gently but do not boil to avoid curdling.
  8. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. Crumble the reserved crispy bacon on top and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve hot with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Notes

Render bacon slowly over medium heat for best crispiness. Blend only half the soup to keep texture. Warm milk gently to avoid curdling. Adjust seasoning at the end as potatoes absorb salt. For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and smoked paprika instead of bacon. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato soup, creamy soup, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, loaded potato soup

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/creamy-loaded-baked-potato-soup-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-cheddar-easy-and-perfect/