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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Easy Winter Comfort Food

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A hearty, creamy soup made with russet potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and sour cream. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for cold nights and comes together in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10–12 slices salted bacon, chopped
  • 3–4 lbs large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Chop bacon into small pieces and cook in a cold Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy (8-10 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
  2. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add diced potatoes to the pot with the onions. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Mash about 75% of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher to thicken the soup naturally. Alternatively, use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and soup is heated through (3-5 minutes). Do not boil.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon and cheese.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap bacon for smoked paprika and use vegetable broth. To lighten the recipe, use low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Ensure cheese is added off the heat or on very low heat to prevent seizing.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato soup, comfort food, winter soup, bacon soup, cheddar soup, easy dinner, one pot meal, creamy soup

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/cozy-loaded-baked-potato-soup-easy-winter-comfort-food/