Loaded baked potato soup recipe is comfort food in a bowl. It combines the flavors of a classic baked potato with creamy, rich soup. I love how it’s creamy yet hearty, with flavors that remind me of cozy family dinners on chilly evenings. The best part? You can load it up with all your favorite toppings, creating a personalized dish every time. I remember the first time I tried loaded baked potato soup; I instantly fell in love with its warm, comforting qualities.
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
To make this scrumptious soup, you will need a handful of simple ingredients. Here is what I typically gather:
Soup Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep the Potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes. Set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, around five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and then add the diced potatoes. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you want it chunkier, just blend a little. If you like it smooth, blend more.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted.
- Season: Taste the soup, and season it with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Enjoy your hearty bowl of loaded baked potato soup!
Tips for Adding Extra Flavor to Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup
I always love to experiment with flavors in my cooking. Here are some suggestions to take your soup to the next level:
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can brighten the flavor. You can also try fresh thyme or rosemary for more earthy notes.
- Spices: A sprinkle of smoked paprika will give a lovely depth to the soup. Likewise, cayenne pepper adds a little heat if you like a kick.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out cheddar cheese for other cheeses like gouda or Monterey jack for different flavor profiles.
- Veggies: You can sneak in some greens. Spinach or kale works wonderfully and adds nutrition.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup in a Slow Cooker
I love using my slow cooker for this recipe. It’s perfect for busy days.
- Prep: Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes, onions, and garlic. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Near the end of cooking time, add heavy cream and cheese, stirring until melted. Use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother soup.
This method keeps everything warm and allows the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the day.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup Variations You Need to Try
There are countless ways to mix things up with loaded baked potato soup! Here are a few popular variations I enjoy:
- Chili Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Stir in cooked chili for a delicious twist that adds protein and spices.
- Buffalo Chicken Potato Soup: Mix in shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy flavor.
- Vegetarian Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Swap the meat ingredients for sautéed mushrooms or additional veggies to keep it vegetarian.
- Cheesy Broccoli Loaded Potato Soup: Add fresh or frozen broccoli during cooking and incorporate extra cheese for a healthy spin.
Each of these variations adds a unique twist to the classic recipe.
Best Toppings for Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Toppings truly make this soup a masterpiece. Here are some of my all-time favorites:
- Crispy Bacon: Adds a wonderful crunch and savoriness.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese creates layers of flavor.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a lovely brightness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream gives added creaminess and tang.
- Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add an excellent crunch.
Feel free to play around with the toppings and find your personal favorites.
How to Store and Reheat Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Storing leftovers is simple! Here’s what I do:
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool before pouring it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: Soup can be frozen for longer storage. Consider portioning it into freezer-safe bags, removing air, and freezing flat.
When it comes time to enjoy your soup again:
- Reheat on the Stove: Gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often until heated through.
- Microwave: You can microwave it in a bowl, covering it loosely. Stir halfway through for even heating.
Nutritional Information for Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Nutritional values may vary based on the ingredients you choose. Here’s a general breakdown for a serving of loaded baked potato soup:
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
You can modify these numbers by adjusting ingredients like cream or bacon for a healthier option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Making soup is usually pretty easy, but here are some common pitfalls to prevent:
- Overcooking Potatoes: Ensure not to overcook the potatoes. They can turn mushy; tender is what you want.
- Too Much Cream: While it’s tasty, adding too much cream can overpower the potato flavor. Balance is key.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Always taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed. This is essential for a flavorful dish.
- Skipping the Blending: If you skip blending, the soup may lack that silky-smooth texture that makes it so comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
In my experience, this loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, and everyone loves it.
Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a cold day, this recipe suits every occasion. The ingredients are flexible, allowing your creativity to shine. Plus, with all the toppings, you can customize it to fit any taste.