Description
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting and indulgent dish that captures the essence of a classic baked potato in a creamy, satisfying soup form. With its array of ingredients, from the tender potatoes to the rich dairy components and flavorful toppings, this soup is a true delight for the senses.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
- 4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Next, add the diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks for a hearty texture. This step creates a creamy, yet still chunky, consistency that is the hallmark of a delightful Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until they are fully incorporated and the soup has a rich, creamy texture.
5. Ladle the Loaded Baked Potato Soup into bowls and top each serving with the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Serve the soup warm, and savor the comforting flavors that come together in every spoonful.
Notes
To make your Loaded Baked Potato Soup healthier, consider several substitutions and additions. You can use low-fat dairy options like skim milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and sour cream. Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese option. You can also add more vegetables such as carrots, celery, or kale for added nutrition and fiber. Additionally, using a homemade broth with less sodium can help control the salt content. Incorporating herbs and spices can enhance flavor without adding calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg