Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Here’s a simple guide to making the most decadent loaded baked potato soup from scratch:

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**

1. **Wash the Potatoes:** Scrub the russet potatoes well to remove any dirt and debris. You don’t need to peel them because the skins will add extra texture and flavor to the soup.

2. **Cook the Potatoes:** There are a few ways to cook the potatoes. You can bake them in the oven until tender, or you can microwave them for quicker results:
– **Oven Method:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the potatoes a few times with a fork, then place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork.
– **Microwave Method:** Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check if they’re tender by piercing them with a fork.

3. **Cool and Mash:** Once the potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, cut them in half and scoop out the flesh. Mash them lightly with a fork or potato masher. Some pieces can remain in chunks for texture, while others should be mashed for creaminess.

#### **Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic**

1. **Sauté Onions:** In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This step releases the natural sugars in the onion and builds flavor for the soup base.

2. **Add Garlic:** Once the onions are soft, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. This will infuse the butter with the aromatic flavors of garlic.

#### **Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes**

1. **Add the Broth:** Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat.

2. **Add the Mashed Potatoes:** Stir in the mashed potatoes and mix them well into the broth. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the flavors to meld and helps thicken the soup.

#### **Step 4: Make it Creamy**

1. **Add the Cream:** Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream (or a lighter substitute if preferred). Stir until fully combined. The cream will make the soup luxuriously smooth and creamy.

2. **Season:** Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Depending on the saltiness of your broth, you may need more or less salt.

#### **Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

Once the soup reaches your desired consistency, serve it hot and top with all the traditional loaded baked potato toppings:

1. **Top with Bacon:** Add a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon pieces for that perfect crunchy texture.
2. **Add Shredded Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. The warmth of the soup will melt the cheese, adding richness and flavor.
3. **Add Sour Cream:** Add a dollop of sour cream to balance out the richness and add a tangy flavor.
4. **Chives or Green Onions:** Top with freshly chopped green onions or chives for a burst of freshness and color.

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### 4. **Variations of Loaded Baked Potato Soup**

While the traditional version of loaded baked potato soup is already incredibly delicious, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try:

#### **1. Vegetarian Loaded Baked Potato Soup**
If you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavor by adding extra cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs. If you miss the smoky flavor of bacon, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that distinctive taste.

#### **2. Spicy Loaded Baked Potato Soup**
For a spicy kick, you can add diced jalapeños or other hot peppers while sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the soup for added heat. A drizzle of hot sauce on top adds a nice balance of flavor and spice.

#### **3. Vegan Loaded Baked Potato Soup**
For a completely vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives, and swap the bacon with crispy tempeh or mushrooms for added texture and umami. Ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.

#### **4. Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup**
For a more hands-off approach, you can make this soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, follow the same method for sautéing onions and garlic, then add the broth, potatoes, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then release the pressure and stir in the cream. For the slow cooker, simply combine all ingredients (except the cream) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

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### 5. **Health Considerations and Nutritional Facts**

While loaded baked potato soup is undoubtedly a hearty and indulgent dish, it’s important to consider the nutritional aspects, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or following a specific dietary plan.

– **Calories:** The creamy broth, cheese, and bacon make this soup calorie-dense. Depending on portion size and the amount of cheese and bacon added, a single serving of loaded baked potato soup can range from 400 to 600 calories. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cheese, less cream, or omit the bacon.

– **Carbs:** Since potatoes are the base of the soup, this dish is naturally high in carbohydrates. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you may want to limit your portion size or make a cauliflower-based soup instead.

– **Protein:** The soup is relatively low in protein, so consider adding more protein-rich toppings like grilled chicken or beans if you want a more balanced meal.

– **Sodium:** The broth, cheese, and bacon can contribute to a high sodium content, so be mindful if you’re watching your salt intake. Opt for low-sodium broth or skip the bacon for a lower-sodium version.

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### 6. **Conclusion**

Loaded baked potato

soup is a heartwarming, comforting dish that brings the flavors of a classic baked potato to your bowl in a rich, creamy, and satisfying form. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a dish to serve at a gathering, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a delicious and customizable version of this classic soup. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or try one of the many variations, this loaded baked potato soup is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table.

So the next time you’re craving something rich and savory, consider whipping up a pot of loaded baked potato soup—you won’t be disappointed!