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Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Bacon

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This cozy winter soup features a creamy potato base, crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and fresh scallions for a comforting meal that brings everyone together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), scrubbed and baked
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 8 oz)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 5 oz)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: more bacon bits, extra cheese, chives, hot sauce, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub potatoes, poke with a fork, and bake directly on the oven rack for 50-60 minutes until fork-tender. (Microwave option: 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.)
  2. While potatoes bake, chop bacon and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tbsp bacon fat.
  3. In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and golden, 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
  4. Scoop flesh from baked potatoes and add to the pot (leave some skins for texture if desired). Stir and break up with a spatula.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and whole milk. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Blend about half the soup with an immersion blender (or in batches with a regular blender), leaving some chunks for texture.
  7. Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese melts and soup is silky. Season with salt and black pepper.
  8. Add half the crispy bacon and 2 sliced scallions to the soup, reserving the rest for topping.
  9. Simmer another 5 minutes, stirring often. Adjust consistency with more milk or broth if needed.
  10. Ladle soup into bowls and top with reserved bacon, cheddar, scallions, and optional toppings.

Notes

Bake potatoes for best flavor and texture. Crisp bacon separately for maximum crunch. Blend only part of the soup for a creamy base with chunky texture. Use freshly grated cheese for a silky finish. Soup thickens as it cools; thin with milk or broth if needed. Make ahead and add bacon fresh for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, bacon, winter soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, creamy potato soup, gluten-free, family dinner, cheddar, scallions

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/loaded-baked-potato-soup-with-bacon-easy-cozy-winter-recipe/