Few things warm the soul and body as effectively as a hearty bowl of soup. When the weather turns cold or when you’re in the mood for some homely comfort food, the loaded baked potato soup stands out as a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish that never disappoints. Dive into this recipe that brings the goodness of a loaded baked potato into a bowl.

Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 5-6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For the Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preparation: Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onions, and mince the garlic.
- Cooking the Potatoes: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Introduce the minced garlic and stir for about a minute. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them in the butter. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes are submerged. Bring to a boil.
- Simmering: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook until they are tender, usually around 15-20 minutes.
- Blending: With a hand blender or in batches using a countertop blender, puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier soup, you can mash some of the potatoes using a potato masher and leave some bits whole.
- Adding Creaminess: Return the pot to the stove on low heat. Pour in the heavy cream or milk, stirring constantly until the soup is smooth and heated through.
- Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper, adjusting according to your taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
- Serving: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and a scattering of chopped green onions or chives.
A Few Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian substitute.
- The beauty of this soup lies in its flexibility. You can introduce other ingredients like corn, roasted bell peppers, or even some spicy jalapeños to give it a different spin.
- Always serve hot and with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for the ultimate comfort meal.
Loaded baked potato soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience, a hug in a bowl. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your repertoire of comfort foods. Enjoy your cooking and savor every spoonful!