There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day. Among the many soup recipes out there, Baked Potato Soup stands out as a hearty and satisfying option that’s perfect for warming up during the colder months.
This creamy and flavorful soup combines the rich taste of baked potatoes with a medley of aromatic vegetables, cream, and cheese, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner idea or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this Baked Potato Soup is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why it’s a beloved classic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This Baked Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made beforehand.
- Versatile: You can customize the soup with your favorite toppings and ingredients, making it a versatile dish that suits various preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, ensuring that everyone will enjoy its delicious flavors.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Baking Potatoes
Baking potatoes, also known as russet potatoes, are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content, which results in a creamy and fluffy texture when baked. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly different flavor profile.
Aromatic Vegetables
Onions, garlic, celery, and carrots add depth of flavor and a pleasant aroma to the soup. You can substitute or add other vegetables like leeks, shallots, or bell peppers to suit your taste preferences.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Chicken or vegetable broth provides the base for the soup, adding richness and flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, and adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the soup. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, or use a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, savory flavor and a creamy texture. You can use other types of cheese like Gouda, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses to suit your preferences.
How to Make Baked Potato Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and set it aside. This step ensures that the potatoes are fully cooked and ready to be incorporated into the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to develop the flavors and aromas that will enhance the soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the scooped potato flesh to the pot and stir well to combine. The broth and potatoes will create the base for the soup, providing richness and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. This step ensures that the soup has a creamy and velvety texture.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook the soup over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. This step adds richness and a luxurious texture to the soup.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped chives for added flavor and color. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese, chives, and your favorite toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, or green onions. This step adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making the soup even more enjoyable.
Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream bacon bits, green onions
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the potatoes with a fork and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the scooped potato flesh to the pot and stir well to combine.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season and Garnish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped chives. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese, chives, and your favorite toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, or green onions.
Notes
- Ensure the potatoes are fully baked and tender before scooping out the flesh.
- You can adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth or cream to achieve your desired thickness.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit any meat-based toppings.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 10g
Expert Tips for Success
- Fully Baked Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are fully baked and tender before scooping out the flesh. This helps to achieve a creamy and fluffy texture in the soup.
- Consistent Blending: Use an immersion blender for even and consistent blending. If using a regular blender, blend the soup in batches to avoid overfilling the blender.
- Adjust Consistency: You can adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth or cream to achieve your desired thickness.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with your toppings and add your favorite ingredients to make the soup your own.
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat-based toppings to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Vegan: Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives to make this soup vegan-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified vegan.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the soup for an herbal note.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the soup before serving for an extra cheesy flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Baked Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the soup is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Reheating
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of broth or cream to help retain moisture during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Potato Soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich and creamy soup.
- Salad: A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich complements the creamy and cheesy flavors of the soup.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Baked Potato Soup, you might also like:
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: A hearty and indulgent soup packed with all the flavors of a loaded baked potato, including bacon, sour cream, and chives.
- Creamy Potato and Leek Soup: A comforting and creamy soup made with potatoes, leeks, and a rich broth.
- Potato and Bacon Chowder: A hearty and flavorful chowder made with potatoes, bacon, and a creamy base.
Conclusion
Baked Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty classic that’s perfect for warming up during the colder months. With its rich, creamy texture and delicious flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner idea or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this soup is a winner. Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Baked Potato Soup!