Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Introduction:

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with classic baked potato toppings like crispy turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. It’s a comforting meal perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and cozy. Made with tender russet potatoes, sautéed onions, and garlic, this hearty soup will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook the chopped turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pot with the reserved bacon drippings and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Add the peeled and diced russet potatoes to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This will help thicken the soup while leaving some potato chunks for texture.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve
Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls. Top each serving with crispy turkey bacon and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Note:

• For a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon of flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey bacon with plant-based bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping.
• Pair with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips:

• You can garnish this soup with additional toppings like chives, extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for even more baked potato flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Servings:

6 servings

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 14g per serving
• Sodium: 780 mg per serving

Conclusion:

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It combines all the delicious flavors of a loaded baked potato into a warm, creamy soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners. With crispy turkey bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and smooth sour cream, every bite is full of indulgent flavor. This easy-to-make soup is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

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