Description
A creamy, hearty soup inspired by baked potatoes, loaded with buttery potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy sour cream. This 30-minute comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or cozy family dinners. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and brings restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
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4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1/2 tsp salt (for boiling potatoes)
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225 g (8 oz) bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
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56 g (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter
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1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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30 g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
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600 ml (2 1/2 cups) whole milk
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600 ml (2 1/2 cups) chicken broth or vegetable broth
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115 g (1 cup) cheddar cheese, shredded
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180 g (3/4 cup) sour cream
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1 tsp salt, or to taste
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1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
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Green onions or chives, for serving
Instructions
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Cook the potatoes: In a large pot, cover the cubed potatoes with water. Add 1/2 tsp salt and boil for 8–10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
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Fry the bacon: In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 Tbsp bacon grease in the pot.
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Make the base: Add butter and onion to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft, then stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds.
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Thicken the soup: Whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and broth while stirring. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until thickened.
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Bring it all together: Add the cooked potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in sour cream, shredded cheese, and half the bacon. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Serve: Ladle into bowls. Top with remaining bacon, chives, extra cheese, or sour cream. Enjoy with warm bread or a crisp salad.
Notes
Don’t skip the bacon grease—it deepens the flavor.
Mash some potatoes before adding for a thicker texture.
Shred your own cheddar for the best melt.
Use Greek yogurt or turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze without dairy for a better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American