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Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Bacon

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A quick and creamy loaded baked potato soup with bacon, ready in under 30 minutes. This comforting weeknight meal uses simple pantry staples and a secret ingredient—cream cheese—for a velvety, tangy richness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, extra shredded cheddar, sour cream, more crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange chopped bacon in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Place a large pot over medium heat. Add reserved bacon fat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Build the Creamy Base: Reduce heat to low. Use a potato masher to gently mash about half the potatoes in the pot. Stir in milk and cubed cream cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  5. Add the Cheese and Season: Remove pot from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve and Top: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, sour cream, and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the potatoes; they should be fork-tender but not falling apart. Keep heat low when adding dairy to prevent separation. Shred your own cheese for smooth melting. Use reserved bacon fat for extra flavor. Soup thickens as it cools; thin with milk or broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, bacon potato soup, creamy potato soup, quick potato soup, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-loaded-baked-potato-soup-with-bacon/