Baked Potato Soup with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe

“`html

If you’re a lover of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Baked Potato Soup with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This luscious soup perfectly balances creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and bright green onions, creating a bowl that’s packed with flavor and irresistibly cozy. Each spoonful is a celebration of textures and tastes that come together effortlessly, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to this recipe’s success. The beauty lies in how simple, everyday items combine to build layers of flavor, richness, and a satisfying bite. Let’s break down what each one brings to the table.

• Russet potatoes: The star of the dish, their starchy texture creates that perfect creamy base once baked and mashed.
• Bacon: Adds irresistible smokiness and a crispy texture that balances the soup’s creaminess.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory undertone when sautéed, rounding out the flavor profile.
• Garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
• Chicken broth: The savory liquid magic that brings it all together while keeping the soup smooth and flavorful.
• Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luxurious creaminess and silky mouthfeel.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup with a tangy sharpness, making every bite more indulgent.
• Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and richness, enhancing the soup’s depth.
• Green onions: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and vibrancy to each spoonful.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smoky warmth and beautiful color.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, providing a subtle fruity note.

How to Make Baked Potato Soup with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab those russet potatoes, poke a few holes with a fork, and place them right on the oven rack. This method ensures a nice, even bake and perfectly fluffy insides. Bake them for about 45 to 60 minutes until they’re tender all the way through — this will be the creamy heart of your soup.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

While the potatoes are getting their glow-up, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until delightfully crispy. Don’t toss out that bacon fat! It adds tremendous flavor to everything that comes next. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside for that irresistible sprinkle topping.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot with the bacon fat, toss in your diced onions. Sauté them gently for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant — you want the garlic to bloom and bring all those aromatic notes forward without burning.

Step 4: Prepare the Baked Potatoes

Once your potatoes have baked to perfection, let them cool just enough to handle. Slice them in half and scoop out the fluffy potato insides into a bowl, being careful to leave the skins intact if you want to serve them later as a crispy garnish. These scooped potatoes become the hearty base for your soup thanks to their creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine Potato and Broth

Return the scooped potato into the pot with onions and garlic. Add chicken broth and, if you like a little extra depth, sprinkle in paprika. Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle simmer. Give it about 10 minutes for all the flavors to mingle and soften any remaining potato chunks.

Step 6: Blend the Soup Smooth

Now it’s time to turn this chunky mixture into the smooth, velvety soup you’ve been dreaming of. Use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer in batches to a regular blender. Whichever you choose, blend it until creamy and lump-free, then return it to the pot to continue cooking.

Step 7: Add Cream, Sour Cream, and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese, letting them melt and swirl into creamy perfection as the soup warms gently on low heat. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, ensuring every spoonful sings with balanced savory notes.

Step 8: Serve with Bacon, Cheese, and Green Onions

Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with the crispy bacon you cooked earlier, a sprinkle of the remaining cheddar, and fresh, sliced green onions. For an exciting twist, add those crunchy baked potato skins on the side or as a garnish. This finishing touch adds texture and a bit of playful fun to your cozy bowl.

How to Serve Baked Potato Soup with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe

Garnishes

To really make the soup shine, think toppings. Crispy bacon is a must, of course, along with shredded cheddar for cheesy goodness. Fresh green onions bring a pop of color and a little sharpness to cut through the richness. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or even a sprinkle of chives if you want a slightly different but still delicious spin.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its rich creaminess. Warm crusty bread or garlic toast are perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can brighten the meal and balance the hearty soup wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve the soup in mini bread bowls made from hollowed-out rolls for a charming touch. You can also garnish with crumbled blue cheese for a savory surprise or add a dash of smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and flavor. For family dinners, let everyone customize their bowls with an array of toppings for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any soup left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes nicely, but keep in mind that the texture might change slightly due to the cream and potatoes. Freeze in portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t scorch. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency without losing its rich flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add a bit more smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that smoky depth from the bacon.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No problem at all. You can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender. Just make sure to blend in small amounts and hold the lid securely to avoid hot splashes.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a sharp fontina for different flavor profiles. Just ensure they melt well to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

Is it okay to skip the sour cream?

You can, but sour cream adds a lovely tang and richness that enhances the soup. If skipping, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of crème fraîche for a subtle tang.

What potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content which makes the soup extra creamy. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes since they don’t break down as smoothly.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Potato Soup with Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onions Recipe is hands down a must-try for anyone who craves comfort food with layers of bold and familiar flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels like an instant classic—easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So grab those potatoes and bacon, and treat yourself to a bowl of coziness that’s guaranteed to warm your heart and your kitchen.

“`

Print