Baked Potato Soup Comfort (Print Version)
Creamy soup brimming with tender potatoes, bacon, cheddar, and chives for a warm, hearty comfort classic.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 large russet potatoes, approximately 2 lbs
02 -
¾ teaspoon salt
03 -
6 slices thick-cut bacon
04 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
2 tablespoons butter
07 -
¼ cup flour
08 -
3 ½ cups chicken broth
09 -
2 cups half and half
10 -
¾ cup sour cream
11 -
½ teaspoon pepper
12 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
13 -
⅛ cup chives, finely diced
# Steps:
01 -
Shred the cheddar cheese from a block, and measure out sour cream and half and half. Let these ingredients sit out to reach room temperature.
02 -
Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces using kitchen shears. Cook in a large pot over low heat, rotating occasionally. Remove bacon when crisp and reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings.
03 -
While bacon cooks, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Add to a stock pot, cover with 1 inch of water, add salt, and boil gently for 20 minutes until fork tender. Drain and gently mash, then set aside.
04 -
Add diced onion to the bacon drippings in the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and butter, cooking for 1 additional minute.
05 -
Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly as the flour cooks for 1 minute to remove its raw taste.
06 -
Slowly add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a silicone spatula to loosen bacon remnants. Gradually add the half and half, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reducing to a simmer.
07 -
Stir in mashed potatoes, mix in sour cream, and season with pepper.
08 -
Remove from heat. For a creamier consistency, blend with an immersion blender or in batches using a standard blender.
09 -
Gradually sprinkle in shredded cheese, stirring until smooth. Ensure the soup is not too hot to prevent cheese from curdling. Garnish with chives and bacon before serving.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Let shredded cheese, sour cream, and half and half reach room temperature for optimal results.
02 -
Blending the soup enhances the creamy texture.