Baked Potato Soup: A Cozy Comfort
Ah, baked potato soup! The mere thought of this creamy, dreamy dish warms my heart and instantly transports me to the cozy kitchen of my childhood home. I can still vividly remember the aroma of buttery potatoes simmering on the stove while my grandmother would chat cheerfully about her day. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and our family gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting that first spoonful of rich, savory goodness. This Baked Potato Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a cold day, an easy weeknight dinner that captures the essence of comfort food.
As the leaves turn to shades of gold and crimson outside, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of this soup to bring warmth and joy to your heart and home. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: This recipe is the epitome of cozy, featuring the creamy texture of mashed potato combined with rich chicken broth.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this baked potato soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this soup! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing.
- Versatile Toppings: Dress up your bowl with your choice of toppings for a customized experience every time.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
What You’ll Need
To make this comforting Baked Potato Soup, gather these simple ingredients:
- 4 large baked potatoes
- 1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup chives, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing the baked potatoes. They should be tender and inviting, ready to mingle with the broth.
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and cubed potatoes. Bring it to a boil, allowing those delightful flavors to meld together.
Simmer for Tenderness: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender, making your kitchen smell like heaven.
Mash Lightly: Using a potato masher, lightly mash the potatoes in the broth. You want some chunks for texture, so don’t overdo it!
Creamy Addition: Stir in the milk, sour cream, and half of the crumbled turkey bacon, mixing until everything is perfectly combined.
Seasoning Time: Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can make it your own; a sprinkle here and there can transform the flavor.
Heat Through: Gently heat the soup through but do not boil; we want that creamy goodness to shine without curdling.
Serve Hot: Ladle the delicious soup into bowls, garnished with the remaining turkey bacon, chopped chives, and shredded cheese for that extra touch of comfort.
Delicious Variations to Try
Spicy Kick: For those who crave a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mix. The combination of creamy and spicy is divine!
Creamy Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end to make the soup a tad more nutritious while adding a vibrant color.
Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for a zesty twist or creamy gouda for a rich flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme during the simmering stage for a fragrant note that elevates the soup to gourmet levels.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup ahead of time and let it cool completely in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for reheating all week long (and even tastes better after the flavors meld together!).
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have sour cream? Use Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar rich taste. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the turkey bacon for crispy chickpeas!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 35g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings or ingredients to your liking.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
How long does it last? Best eaten within three days, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Wrapping It Up
This Baked Potato Soup is a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings the family together and fills your home with delightful aromas. It’s a recipe that not only nourishes the body but also captures those special moments around the kitchen table. Save this Baked Potato Soup to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Baked Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy, comforting baked potato soup that’s perfect for chilly days and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 large baked potatoes
- 1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup chives, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cube the baked potatoes.
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth and cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Lightly mash the potatoes in the broth, keeping some chunks for texture.
- Stir in milk, sour cream, and half of the crumbled turkey bacon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently heat the soup through but do not boil.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with remaining turkey bacon, chives, and cheddar cheese.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños. You can also customize your toppings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: soup, comfort food, baked potato, easy dinner, family-friendly