Baked Potato Soup

This Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. With its rich, creamy broth loaded with Turkey Bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, this soup hits all the right spots. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this soup in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ingredients creates a thick and creamy broth that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a side; it pairs well with salads and sandwiches.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends—everyone will ask for seconds!
• Comforting Warmth: Ideal for chilly nights, this soup warms you from the inside out.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Baked Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor and texture in your soup.

Ingredients

For this delicious Baked Potato Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Potatoes and Bacon

• 4 large russet potatoes (equal to 2 lbs.)
• 6 slices thick cut Turkey Bacon

Vegetables

• 1 large yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Dairy & Broth

• 2 Tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half
• ¾ cup sour cream

Seasonings & Toppings

• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/8 cup chives (finely diced)

How to Make Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Start by cooking the Turkey Bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pot, crumble it, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add butter. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened.

Step 3: Prepare Potatoes

Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small cubes. Add them to the pot along with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients

Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer part of the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth then return to pot.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir in sour cream, crumbled Turkey Bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chives. Heat through before serving.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Baked Potato Soup topped with extra cheese or chives as desired!

How to Serve Baked Potato Soup

Baked Potato Soup is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a delightful dish that can be served in various ways.

With Fresh Chives

• Sprinkle some finely diced chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.

With Crispy Turkey Bacon

• Add extra crispy turkey bacon bits to enhance the smokiness and crunch.

With Shredded Cheddar Cheese

• Top each bowl with additional shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.

With Sour Cream Swirl

• A dollop of sour cream creates a creamy swirl that adds richness to each bite.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious soup.

In Bread Bowls

• For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist.

How to Perfect Baked Potato Soup

Making a perfect Baked Potato Soup is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your soup game:

• Use quality potatoes: Opt for russet potatoes for their fluffy texture when cooked, which enhances the soup’s creaminess.

• Cook bacon until crisp: Ensure your turkey bacon is crispy before adding it to the soup. This adds both flavor and texture.

• Don’t rush the onions: Sauté onions slowly until they are golden. This brings out their natural sweetness.

• Adjust thickness: If your soup is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth or half-and-half until you reach the desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Potato Soup

Baked Potato Soup pairs well with several sides, making your meal more satisfying. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad
   A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.

2. Garlic Bread
   Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

3. Cheesy Biscuits
   Fluffy, cheesy biscuits add a comforting touch that pairs wonderfully with the soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of roasted vegetables provides a healthy side option that adds color and nutrition.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Savory stuffed mushrooms offer an elegant side that balances out the creamy soup.

6. Coleslaw
   A crunchy coleslaw brings a refreshing contrast to the warmth of Baked Potato Soup.

7. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread makes an excellent pairing with its slightly sweet flavor enhancing the savory soup.

8. Deviled Eggs
   Classic deviled eggs offer delightful bites that are easy to prepare and enjoy alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes while preparing Baked Potato Soup. Here are some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

• Using the wrong potatoes – Always opt for russet potatoes for a creamy texture. Other types might not blend as well.
• Overcooking the bacon – Cook Turkey Bacon just until crispy. Overcooking can make it too tough to enjoy in the soup.
• Skipping the seasoning – Don’t forget salt and pepper! These enhance the flavors; adjusting them can make a huge difference.
• Not blending enough – For that smooth, velvety broth, ensure you blend thoroughly. A few lumps are fine, but too many can ruin the experience.
• Ignoring storage guidelines – Properly store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Neglecting this can lead to spoilage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Potato Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for long-term storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Potato Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, and heat until warm through (about 20 minutes).
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Potato Soup that might help you on your cooking journey.

Can I use other types of bacon?

Yes, you can substitute Turkey Bacon with regular bacon or even omit it for a vegetarian version.

How do I make my Baked Potato Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, add more flour during the cooking process or let it simmer longer to reduce liquid content.

Can I customize my Baked Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Add toppings like crispy onions, different cheeses, or fresh herbs for extra flavor and variety.

Is Baked Potato Soup healthy?

With its wholesome ingredients, this soup can be a nutritious option. Just watch your portion sizes if you’re concerned about calories.

How do I store leftover Baked Potato Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

Baked Potato Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various toppings or add-ins based on your preferences. This recipe promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite—give it a try today!