Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:

– 4 large russet potatoes, baked
– 4 slices bacon, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Bake the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 1 hour until they are tender. Let them cool, then peel and dice them.

2. **Cook the Bacon:**
– In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

3. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**
– In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. **Make the Soup Base:**
– Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
– Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly.

5. **Add the Potatoes:**
– Stir in the diced baked potatoes. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.

6. **Add the Dairy:**
– Stir in the milk and heavy cream, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
– Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and incorporated.
– Stir in the sour cream and smoked paprika (if using), then season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, additional shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.

This soup is perfect for a cozy meal and can be served with crusty bread or a simple salad on the side. Enjoy!