### **Introduction**
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich, creamy texture of a classic potato soup with all the flavors of a loaded baked potato. This soup is a favorite during colder months and is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Packed with tender potatoes, bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions, it’s an indulgent meal that offers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Baked potato soup is a relatively modern American dish, drawing inspiration from the classic loaded baked potato—an iconic comfort food often served with toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives. The soup version likely emerged in the late 20th century as chefs and home cooks began adapting traditional comfort foods into soup form. Its popularity grew rapidly, especially in the Midwest and the South, where hearty, filling dishes are staples. Today, loaded baked potato soup is widely loved across the U.S. and beyond, often featured on restaurant menus and homemade dinner tables alike.
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### **Ingredients & Quantity**
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Here are the ingredients:
– **4 large russet potatoes**, peeled and diced
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter**
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **4 cups chicken broth** (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
– **2 cups heavy cream** (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
– **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese** (plus extra for topping)
– **1/2 cup sour cream**
– **1/4 cup all-purpose flour** (for thickening)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1/2 teaspoon dried thyme** (optional)
– **1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika** (optional)
– **2-3 slices of bacon**, cooked and crumbled
– **2 green onions**, chopped (for garnish)
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### **Optional Additions**
– **Chopped chives** for extra freshness
– **Cooked chicken or ham** for added protein
– **Frozen corn** for a touch of sweetness
– **Parmesan cheese** for a sharper flavor profile
– **Crispy fried onions** for added texture and flavor
– **A splash of hot sauce** for a little heat
– **1/4 cup of white wine** (to add depth to the broth)
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### **Tips for Success**
1. **Use starchy potatoes**: Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down and release starch, giving the soup a creamy texture without needing a lot of extra thickening agents.
2. **Don’t overcook the potatoes**: Ensure the potatoes are tender, but avoid turning them into mush. You want them to maintain some shape in the soup for texture.
3. **Blend for smoothness**: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender. Just be sure to leave some potato chunks for a rustic feel.
4. **Adjust the thickness**: If the soup is too thick after adding the cream and broth, you can add more chicken or vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
5. **Garnish generously**: The garnishes (cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions) add a lot of flavor, so don’t skimp on them—this is where you get the “loaded” part of the soup.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the potatoes**: In a large pot, bring the diced potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. **Cook the aromatics**: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3-5 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
3. **Make the roux**: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir to form a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. **Add liquids**: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. **Incorporate potatoes**: Add the cooked potatoes to the pot and stir. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
6. **Add cheese and seasonings**: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. **Garnish and serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!
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### **Description**
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It has a thick, creamy base with tender potato chunks that absorb the savory flavors of bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. The combination of creamy texture and salty, smoky flavors from the bacon makes it incredibly satisfying. This soup is a hearty meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad. Its rich and indulgent taste makes it a perfect dish for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.
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### **Nutritional Information** (Approximate per serving)
– **Calories**: 400-500
– **Total Fat**: 28g
– **Saturated Fat**: 14g
– **Cholesterol**: 60mg
– **Carbohydrates**: 35g
– **Fiber**: 4g
– **Sugar**: 4g
– **Protein**: 9g
– **Sodium**: 700mg
– **Vitamin A**: 15% DV
– **Vitamin C**: 20% DV
– **Calcium**: 15% DV
(These values can vary depending on specific ingredients used, such as the type of cheese or cream.)
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### **Conclusion**
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a wonderfully comforting dish that brings together the best elements of a baked potato in soup form. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and hearty ingredients make it the perfect meal for a cold day or any time you need something filling and satisfying. Whether served as a main dish or a starter, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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### **Recommendation**
For a lighter version of this soup, consider using low-fat sour cream, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and turkey bacon or even plant-based bacon for a healthier twist. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots or celery, to increase the soup’s nutritional value. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This soup is versatile and can be tailored to fit various dietary preferences while still retaining its delicious flavor.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While Loaded Baked Potato Soup is undeniably indulgent, it can be made healthier with a few simple swaps. Opting for lower-fat dairy, using plant-based ingredients, or adding extra vegetables can make this classic comfort food more nutritious without sacrificing flavor. By embracing these modifications, you can enjoy a bowl of this creamy, comforting soup while still making mindful choices about what goes into your body.