Get ready to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings with the ultimate comfort food: Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Bar! This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of creamy potato soup with the fun of a toppings bar, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. In just 45 minutes, you can create a deliciously hearty dish that invites everyone to customize their own bowl with mouthwatering toppings like crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and extra cheese. Trust us, once you experience the creamy goodness of this soup, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, baked and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, additional cheese, chives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash russet potatoes thoroughly and pierce several times with a fork.
- Bake potatoes directly on oven rack for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife. Allow potatoes to cool slightly.
- Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them into 1-inch cubes, leaving skin on for added texture and nutrition.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, pour chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add potato cubes to the simmering broth and gently stir, allowing potatoes to warm through and slightly break down.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, ensuring the mixture does not boil.
- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, partially mash some potatoes to create a thicker, creamier consistency while leaving some chunks intact.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Stir in sour cream just before serving to add richness and tang.
- Transfer soup to a large serving bowl and set up a toppings bar with chopped green onions, bacon bits, additional cheese, and chives.
- Allow guests to customize their soup with desired toppings for a personalized dining experience.
Tips
- Perfectly Baked Potatoes: For the best flavor and texture, make sure to bake your russet potatoes until they are fork-tender. This not only enhances their natural sweetness but also makes them easier to cube and mix into the soup.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: When adding the heavy cream, keep the heat low to prevent it from curdling. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully without compromising the creaminess.
- Customize the Consistency: If you prefer a chunkier soup, mash only a portion of the potatoes. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste your soup as you go and adjust the seasoning to ensure every spoonful is packed with flavor.
- Toppings Galore: Set up an enticing toppings bar with a variety of options such as crispy bacon, additional cheese, chopped green onions, and even some spicy jalapeños for those who like a kick. Letting guests customize their bowls adds a fun twist to the meal!
- Make Ahead: This soup is great for meal prep! You can prepare the soup base in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add the sour cream and toppings right before serving for the best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
