Introduction
Transform humble potatoes into a bowl of pure comfort with this easy baked potato soup recipe! It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings or a satisfying lunch any day of the week. We’re taking everyday ingredients and turning them into a restaurant-quality soup that the whole family will adore. Get ready for creamy, cheesy goodness!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s incredibly simple, uses pantry staples, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The secret? Baking the potatoes beforehand gives the soup an unbelievably creamy texture that you just can’t get any other way. Plus, it’s super customizable – you can add your favorite toppings and tweak the flavors to make it your own!
Key Ingredients
🥔 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
🧅 1 large yellow onion, chopped
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🥛 4 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
🥣 2 cups chicken broth
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🥓 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
🧈 2 tablespoons butter
🌿 1 teaspoon dried chives
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub your potatoes well. Pierce them a few times with a fork.
2️⃣ Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 60-75 minutes, or until they are completely soft and easily pierced with a fork. Let them cool slightly.
3️⃣ While the potatoes bake, prepare the other ingredients. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4️⃣ Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and scoop out the flesh into the pot with the onions and garlic.
5️⃣ Add the milk and chicken broth to the pot. Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. If using an immersion blender, be careful not to splash hot liquid.
6️⃣ Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the dried chives.
7️⃣ If using bacon, stir in the crumbled bacon just before serving.
Handy Tips
- Use leftover baked potatoes for an even speedier soup!
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Don’t overcook the onions. They should be soft but not browned.
- If you don’t have dried chives, fresh chives work great too!
Heat Control
Medium heat is crucial for sautéing the onions and garlic. High heat will burn them, while low heat will take too long and result in mushy onions. Always adjust your heat depending on your stovetop – you want a gentle simmer once the soup is on the stove.
Crunch Factor
The bacon adds a delightful salty crunch, but you can also add other toppings for extra texture, such as crispy fried onions, chopped green onions, or even some crunchy croutons.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Roasted garlic adds a deeper, sweeter flavor. Roast whole heads of garlic at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour, then squeeze out the roasted cloves.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a subtle flavor boost!
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful gift! Package it in a beautiful thermos or a festive jar. Add a handwritten tag with the recipe and your favorite heartwarming message.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup: Double the bacon and add a mix of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and Gruyere.
🌟 Herb-Infused Potato Soup: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
🌟 Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives as toppings before serving.
Troubleshooting
- Soup is too thick: Add a little more milk or broth to thin it out.
- Soup is too thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Potatoes are not creamy enough: Make sure you mash them well and use an immersion blender if necessary for a super smooth consistency.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, but russet potatoes are best for their fluffy texture.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, allow the soup to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Creamy Dreamy Baked Potato Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, unbelievably delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. We hope you enjoy this comforting classic as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on RateMyRecipes.com!