Description
Discover how to make a delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup that is creamy, hearty, and perfect for cozy nights at home. Get the recipe now!
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes (about 800g), scrubbed
- 8 beef bacon slices
- 4 tbsp (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) yellow onion
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) low fat milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) half and half
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) garlic salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) black pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
- fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prick the potatoes several times with a fork, then cook them in the microwave for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they become soft. Cut the potatoes in half carefully and allow them to cool. Once they are cool enough to touch, peel off the skins and chop the potatoes into pieces.
- While the potatoes are cooking, fry the beef bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is crispy. Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease and cool. Keep up to 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet, discarding the remainder. Once the bacon has cooled, break it into small bits.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add the reserved bacon grease, minced garlic, and chopped onion, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is soft. Gradually whisk the all-purpose flour into the pot and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate the low-fat milk and half-and-half, whisking until smooth. Gradually pour in the chicken stock. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then add salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer lightly until it thickens slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- If you wish to use cheese and bacon as toppings, set aside 1/4 cup of each. Mix in the remaining cheeses, bacon bits, and plain yogurt. Take the pot off the heat. Add the potato pieces to the pot, mashing them into smaller bits or leaving them chunky, as you prefer. Serve the soup hot, garnished with your choice of toppings, such as cheese, bacon, and fresh chives.
Notes
- Enhance the soup’s creaminess by mashing some potatoes into it.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference using salt, garlic salt, or black pepper.
- Try different cheeses for a unique soup flavor.
