Pin When the weather turns cold, there is nothing more comforting than a warm, velvety bowl of Creamy Baked Potato Soup. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines the hearty satisfaction of a loaded baked potato with the soothing warmth of a rich, home-cooked soup. Perfectly balanced with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh chives, it’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Pin The foundation of this soup is a savory roux built from the drippings of crisped bacon, ensuring that every spoonful carries a hint of smoky goodness. By cooking the potatoes separately and then simmering them in the milk and broth base, you achieve a perfect fork-tender consistency that holds up beautifully in the creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add diced potatoes and cook for 12–15 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Cook the Bacon
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
- 3. Sauté Aromatics
- Add diced onion to the bacon grease and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 4. Create the Base
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2 minutes.
- 5. Whisk and Thicken
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- 6. Simmer
- Add cooked potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, gently mashing some potatoes in the pot for a chunkier texture.
- 7. Finish with Dairy
- Lower heat and stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until cheese is fully melted and soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 8. Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with reserved bacon, extra cheddar, and fresh chives. Serve warm with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even more velvety texture, use an immersion blender to process part of the soup before adding the cheese and sour cream. This creates a thick, smooth base while still leaving plenty of chunky potato pieces for contrast.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead; adding a pinch of smoked paprika can help replace the smoky flavor of the bacon. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Serviervorschläge
Ladle the soup into deep bowls and be generous with the toppings. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
Pin Whether you're serving this for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Creamy Baked Potato Soup is sure to be a hit. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation prove that classic American comfort food is truly timeless.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I make the soup creamy?
- → Can bacon be omitted for a different version?
- Yes, omit bacon and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
- → What potatoes are best for this dish?
- Russet potatoes are ideal as they soften well and provide a fluffy texture when cooked and mashed.
- → How to get a chunkier texture in the soup?
- Gently mash part of the cooked potatoes in the pot while simmering, leaving some pieces whole for texture.
- → Can this soup be prepared ahead of time?
- Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. Reheat gently and add milk if needed.
- → What sides pair well with the soup?
- Serve with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices to complement the creamy, savory flavors.