Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients

1. 1

   Step 1

   Crisp the bacon

   • Ingredients:
     • 4 slices bacon, chopped
   • Action: Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings.
2. 2

   Step 2

   Sauté aromatics

   • Ingredients:
     • Bacon drippings
     • 1 small onion, diced
     • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • Action: Add onion to the pot and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. 3

   Step 3

   Simmer potatoes

   • Ingredients:
     • 6 diced russet potatoes
     • 4 cups chicken broth
   • Action: Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. 4

   Step 4

   Mash to texture

   • Ingredients:
     • Partially cooked soup
   • Action: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend some of the soup, leaving chunks for texture.
5. 5

   Step 5

   Finish with dairy

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 cup 2% or whole milk
     • 1/2 cups half-and-half (optional, for richer texture)
     • 1 cup shredded cheddar
     • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Action: Stir in milk and cheese until melted. Add half-and-half only if you want a richer finish, then season with salt and pepper.
6. 6

   Step 6

   Serve

   • Ingredients:
     • Reserved bacon
     • Green onions
     • Extra cheese
   • Action: Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, and more cheddar.

Equipment

• Large soup pot

• Cutting board

• Chef's knife

• Potato masher or immersion blender

• Measuring cups and spoons