Introduction
Dive into a bowl of comfort with this Creamy Baked Potato Soup! Perfect for chilly nights and sharing with loved ones. Each spoonful is like a warm hug, enveloping you in delicious flavors and cozy vibes.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Instructions
1. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Add butter and diced onion to the pot. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute until it forms a paste.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Add milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Toss in the diced potatoes, add salt and pepper to taste, and let them cook until they’re fork-tender.
6. Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to smash some of them while leaving the rest whole for body and texture.
7. Stir in half of the crispy bacon, saving the rest for garnish. Simmer until the soup is thickened to your liking.
8. Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, extra bacon, and a sprinkle of chives for that perfect finish!
Nutritional Information
Each cozy serving is packed with comforting ingredients and flavor. Perfect for those cold evenings where you want to snuggle up with a bowl of warmth!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
Step 2
Add butter and diced onion to the pot. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
Step 3
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute until it forms a paste.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Add milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5
Toss in the diced potatoes, add salt and pepper to taste, and let them cook until they’re fork-tender.
Step 6
Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to smash some of them while leaving the rest whole for body and texture.
Step 7
Stir in half of the crispy bacon, saving the rest for garnish. Simmer until the soup is thickened to your liking.
Step 8
Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, extra bacon, and a sprinkle of chives for that perfect finish!
Notes
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Adjusting Thickness
If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer. For a thinner consistency, you can add more chicken broth or milk.
Vegetarian Option
Replace bacon with olive oil or coconut oil, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the diced onions are sautéed until soft and translucent, enhancing their flavor and sweetness.
Whisking
Whisking is essential for ensuring a smooth consistency in soups. Gradually whisking in the chicken broth helps to prevent lumps from forming and creates a creamy base for the soup.
Mashing
Mashing some of the cooked potatoes with a potato masher adds texture to the soup. It creates a thicker body while still leaving some potato pieces whole for added substance.
Simmering
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken. It’s the key step after adding the potatoes, as it ensures they cook to fork-tender perfection without becoming mushy.
FAQ
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, though russets provide a better creamy texture when cooked.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze creamy baked potato soup?
Yes, but the creamy texture may change upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the soup without the cream and add it when reheating.
What toppings can I add to enhance flavor?
You can add toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or even a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Conclusion
