Baked Potato Soup

A rich and creamy Baked Potato Soup that’s loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives. It’s the ultimate comfort food and perfect for a cozy meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅛ cup chives, finely diced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Add to a pot, cover with 1 inch of water, and add ¾ teaspoon salt. Boil for 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and gently mash, then set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: Cut bacon into 1-inch squares. Cook in a large pot over low heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
3. Cook the Veggies: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and butter, cooking for another minute.
4. Make the Soup Base: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring to loosen any bacon bits stuck to the bottom. Add the half and half, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Combine: Stir in the mashed potatoes, sour cream, and pepper. Remove from heat. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches.
6. Add Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve: Garnish with crispy bacon and chives, then serve hot!

Notes:

• Cheese Tip: Use a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese like Cracker Barrel for the best melt and flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Consistency: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend it with an immersion blender or blender for a smooth texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 482
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 89mg
• Sodium: 968mg
• Potassium: 729mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 756IU
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 317mg
• Iron: 2mg