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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon: Best Easy Recipe

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A creamy, smoky, and cheesy loaded baked potato soup topped with crispy bacon, perfect for cold nights and rough days. This easy recipe comes together in about 45 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 2 pounds)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • Extra crispy bacon crumbles

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place bacon slices in a cold Dutch oven. Turn heat to medium and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then crumble or chop into bits. Do not drain the bacon fat.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the bacon fat. Once melted, add diced onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until golden and smells nutty.
  4. Add the liquids: Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously. Add milk and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, not a boil.
  5. Cook the potatoes: Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir. Bring back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Mash and thicken: Remove pot from heat. Using a potato masher, mash about half the potatoes right in the pot. Stir well.
  7. Add the cheese: Return pot to low heat. Gradually add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted.
  8. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls. Top with remaining cheddar, sour cream, crispy bacon crumbles, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t boil the dairy to prevent curdling. Shred your own cheese for smooth melting. Bacon fat adds smoky flavor. Let soup rest off heat for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Flavors improve after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, potato soup with bacon, creamy potato soup, easy potato soup, comfort food, winter soup, game day soup

Find it online: https://evadinnerideas.com/cozy-loaded-baked-potato-soup-with-crispy-bacon-best-easy-recipe/