Hey there! As the leaves change and that crisp air rolls in, there’s nothing better than curling up with a warm bowl of soup. One of my all-time favorites is Baked Potato Soup. It’s cozy, creamy, and super easy to make! Every spoonful reminds me of the comforting goodness we all need as the days get shorter. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy those fall flavors!
Nutritional Benefits of Baked Potato Soup
You might think of baked potatoes as just a side dish, but they bring so much to the table in this soup! They’re rich in potassium, which is great for heart health. Plus, they contain fiber—especially if you leave the skin on—which helps with digestion. If you opt for low-fat milk and cheese, you’ll keep this soup lighter, but still packed with flavor!
Fun Variations to Make
- Make it Loaded: Add crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese on top for a loaded baked potato effect—that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
- Going Vegan?: You can use plant-based milk and vegan cheese to whip up a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy!
- Add Some Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra health kick without sacrificing the taste!
Cozy Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, baked and cooled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, chives, extra cheese
Serves 4–6 people
- Standard bowl-sized portions → 4 servings
- Slightly lighter portions → up to 6 servings
Instructions
- Start by baking your potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the potatoes for about 45–60 minutes until tender. Let them cool slightly, then chop them into chunks.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and add the potato chunks. Let it all simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy. If you don’t have one, you can blend in batches in a regular blender—just be careful with hot liquids!
- Stir in the milk, sour cream, and shredded cheese, mixing until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup heat through for another 5 minutes, then serve hot topped with your favorite toppings!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- For the creamiest texture, use a combination of whole milk and sour cream. You can also substitute half-and-half for a richer flavor!
- If you want to make this soup ahead of time, prepare everything, but don’t add the milk and cheese until you’re ready to serve. It keeps the soup from becoming too thick!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove for the best result—add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make this cozy soup:
- A large baking sheet for the potatoes
- A large pot for cooking the soup
- An immersion blender (or a regular blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A cutting board and knife for chopping
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use leftover baked potatoes for this recipe? Oh, absolutely! Leftover baked potatoes work perfectly for this soup.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes! Once cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
- How can I make this soup spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick!
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Cook the potatoes and other ingredients on low for 6-8 hours. Blend before serving.
- What can I do if the soup is too thick? Just stir in a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency!
I hope you love making and tasting this baked potato soup as much as I do! It’s seriously perfect for those cozy fall evenings. If you give it a shot, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your creations on Pinterest and tag me. Happy cooking!
