This Baked Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food creamy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. It's a perfect dish for chilly evenings, offering the rich taste of baked potatoes in a warm, soothing bowl. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side, this soup is sure to satisfy.
4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
¾ teaspoon salt
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3½ cups chicken brot
2 cups half-and-half
¾ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
⅛ cup chives, finely diced
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a stockpot and cover with 1 inch of water. Add ¾ teaspoon salt and boil gently for 20 minutes or until very fork-tender. Drain and gently mash. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes cook, cut the bacon into 1-inch squares. Cook in a large pot over low heat, rotating occasionally, until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and butter, cooking for 1 more minute.
Make the Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Add Liquids: Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then, add the half-and-half and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.
Combine Potatoes and Soup Base: Stir in the mashed potatoes, sour cream, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the soup is heated through.
Add Cheese and Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the cooked bacon.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives. Serve hot and enjoy!
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 15 g
Total Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 800 mg
Potassium: 800 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 8% DV