There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty, homemade soup to warm you up on a chilly winter day. 🍲 Let’s dive into a sumptuous recipe for Better Baked Potato Soup, an irresistible dish that’s perfect for the colder months. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, with its rich flavors and creamy texture.
Better Baked Potato Soup 🥔🧀
Description:
Make and share this Better Baked Potato Soup recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. It’s a creamy, comforting soup that brings the deliciousness of baked potatoes into a bowl, making it perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Category:
Potato
Keywords:
Vegetable, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Winter, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 581.7 | 20.7g | 11.7g | 54.1mg | 672mg | 83g | 11.8g | 6.3g | 17.8g |
Ingredients
- 6 1/4 cups yellow potatoes
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Optional Garnishes: Additional shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, sour cream
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing your yellow potatoes thoroughly. You can either bake them in the oven or microwave them until they’re almost fully cooked. If using the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes. For the microwave, cook them on high for about 10-12 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly. -
Saute the Onion:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and margarine over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. -
Create the Roux:
Stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried rubbed sage. Continue stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and develop the roux. -
Add Liquids:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. -
Dice the Potatoes:
While the soup base is coming to a simmer, dice the baked potatoes into quarter-size pieces, keeping the skins on for added texture and flavor. -
Combine and Simmer:
Add the diced potatoes to the soup mixture. Stir well to combine. Cover the saucepan and let the soup simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Finish the Soup:
Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a rich and creamy texture. -
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with additional shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence. -
Storage:
This soup keeps well in the fridge for several days and can also be frozen for longer storage. Just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain its creamy consistency.
Cooking Timeline
| Task | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Additional Tips
- Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness.
- Creamier Texture: If you prefer an even creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cheese and bacon.
- Loaded Baked Potato Variation: Add a variety of toppings such as green onions, sour cream, and even a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.
Enjoying Your Soup
This Better Baked Potato Soup is perfect for serving with a crusty piece of bread or a fresh salad. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a hearty starter. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a comforting choice for winter nights or a delightful addition to a cozy family dinner. 🥣✨
Dive into this luscious bowl of goodness and share the warmth and love of a home-cooked meal with your family and friends. Bon appétit! 🌟