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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Close-up of a creamy bowl of Potato Soup topped generously with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh green onions.

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A recipe for thick, creamy potato soup resembling a loaded baked potato, perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups milk or half-and-half
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth. Add the diced potatoes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  6. Remove about 1 cup of the soup mixture and mash the potatoes with a fork or immersion blender for a thicker texture, then return to the pot. Alternatively, mash some potatoes against the side of the pot.
  7. Stir in the milk or half-and-half. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
  10. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with reserved bacon bits, sliced green onions, and extra cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or soy milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • If you prefer a smoother soup, blend the entire batch using an immersion blender until you reach your desired consistency before adding the dairy products.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the best texture when thickening the soup.

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