Easy Baked Potato Soup

why make this recipe

Easy Baked Potato Soup is a comforting dish that warms you up from the inside out. It’s creamy, loaded with flavor, and perfect for chilly nights. This soup is simple to make and uses basic ingredients you might already have at home. Plus, who wouldn’t love a bowl topped with crispy bacon and gooey cheese? It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.

how to make Easy Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients :

• 6 strips bacon
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 large Russet potatoes (diced)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
• Chopped scallions (to taste)
• 3/4 cup sour cream (or more to taste)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Directions :

1. Cut up the bacon and add it to a soup pot. Fry the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, prep your onion and potatoes. You can peel the potatoes or scrub them and leave them unpeeled if you prefer.
3. Once the bacon is done, take it out of the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about two tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot and discard the rest or reserve it for another recipe.
4. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk until the flour has dissolved.
7. Add the chicken broth, garlic, and diced potatoes. Increase the heat to high, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
8. When the soup is almost boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot with the lid slightly open. Let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes.
9. While the soup cooks, prepare the cheddar, scallions, and sour cream.
10. After 20 minutes, the potatoes should be tender. You can mash them a little in the pot or leave them as is.
11. Stir in the sour cream and most of the cheddar and bacon (save some for topping). Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve each bowl topped with scallions and the remaining cheddar and bacon.

how to serve Easy Baked Potato Soup

Serve the soup warm in bowls. It’s great on its own or with crusty bread or a side salad. For extra fun, add toppings like more cheese, bacon, and crunchy croutons.

how to store Easy Baked Potato Soup

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Easy Baked Potato Soup

• For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or chives.
• If you want a smoother soup, blend it with an immersion blender after cooking.
• Adjust the thickness by adding more or less milk or broth.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Also, consider adding vegetables like broccoli or corn for added nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use any type of potatoes, but Russet potatoes give the best flavor and texture for this soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to reheat it gently.

3. What can I add for extra flavor?
You can add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or herbs such as thyme or rosemary to give the soup an extra kick.

4. Is this soup gluten-free?
No, since it contains flour, but you can use a gluten-free flour as a substitute.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk, and skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.