How to Create Cheesy Loaded Baked Potato Soup in Simple English
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup, and when it’s filled with rich, cheesy goodness, it’s hard to resist. If you love baked potatoes, cheese, and creamy soups, you’re in for a treat! Cheesy loaded baked potato soup combines all these delicious flavors into one comforting bowl. Plus, it’s super easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want something hearty after a long day, this recipe is perfect. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this soup step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make cheesy loaded baked potato soup, you don’t need a fancy list of ingredients. Everything is simple and easy to find. Here’s a list to get started:
- 4 large potatoes (Russet potatoes work best)
- 6 slices of bacon (for extra flavor!)
- 3 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can choose another type)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (depending on your preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the star of the show!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour (to thicken the soup)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Green onions or chives (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down into easy steps so you can follow along without any confusion.
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash your potatoes thoroughly, poke a few holes in them with a fork, and bake them for about 40–50 minutes until they are soft. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a knife or fork. Baking the potatoes ahead of time gives the soup that classic “loaded baked potato” flavor.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and roughly mash them. You don’t need to make them super smooth—some chunks add texture to the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to remove excess grease. Chop it into small pieces, and save some for garnishing your soup later. Bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor that takes this soup to the next level.
Step 3: Make the Base of the Soup
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. This creates a roux, which helps thicken your soup. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Keep stirring to avoid lumps and make the base smooth.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Flavorings
Once the soup base is ready, add the mashed baked potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like your soup creamier, pour in the heavy cream at this stage.
Let the soup simmer on medium heat for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pot.
Step 5: Make It Cheesy
Here’s the fun part! Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring frequently. The cheese will melt and make the soup rich and creamy. Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the soup is hot, cheesy, and ready to eat, it’s time to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top each serving with your favorite garnishes. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces, chopped green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream on top. These toppings make the soup taste just like a loaded baked potato.
Tips for the Best Soup
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a fluffy texture after baking.
- Don’t skip the bacon: Bacon adds an incredible amount of flavor and crunch to the soup, so it’s worth including.
- Balance the seasonings: Taste your soup as you cook to make sure it’s well-seasoned. Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a touch of spice, if desired.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The best part about cheesy loaded baked potato soup is how versatile it is. You can customize the toppings based on your preferences. It’s perfect for cold weather or whenever you need a little comfort food in your life. Plus, it’s filling, affordable, and easy to make.
So what are you waiting for? This recipe is calling your name! Grab some potatoes and cheese and get cooking. Your family and friends will thank you, and you’ll feel like a soup master in no time.
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
