Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Introduction

Loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate cozy bowl of comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender potatoes, savory halal meat, tangy sour cream, and fresh scallions. Every spoonful tastes like a fully loaded baked potato, but in warm, spoonable form. The best part is that it all comes together in one pot, making dinner both hearty and simple. Whether it’s for a chilly weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this soup is a family favorite you’ll want to serve again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup is thick, creamy, and incredibly filling, making it perfect for dinner. It captures the flavor of a loaded baked potato with all the toppings you crave. You can mash the potatoes slightly for a creamier consistency or leave them chunky if you like more texture. It’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and keeps well for leftovers. Also, because it’s a one-pot recipe, cleanup is easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this loaded baked potato soup, you’ll need a few simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Start with halal beef or turkey strips for that smoky, savory note. A sweet onion adds depth, while garlic boosts flavor. Russet potatoes are key because their starch makes the soup naturally creamy. All-purpose flour helps thicken the base, while whole milk and chicken broth give the soup its richness. Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the broth for bold flavor, and sour cream makes it tangy and smooth. Scallions finish it with a fresh bite. Don’t forget salt and pepper to balance everything. Each ingredient has its purpose, and together they create a comforting bowl of soup.

Best Potatoes for Baked Potato Soup

Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe. Their starchy texture helps the soup thicken naturally while still staying fluffy and tender. They also mash easily, which means you can control the consistency of your soup. Yukon Gold potatoes are creamier and slightly buttery, while red potatoes hold their shape better but won’t give the same silky texture. If you want a classic loaded baked potato soup, stick with Russets.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much equipment to make this soup. A sturdy Dutch oven or large soup pot is essential. You’ll also need a sharp knife and cutting board for prep, a whisk to smooth out the flour and milk, and a potato masher if you prefer a creamier finish. A cheese grater comes in handy for shredding fresh cheddar, and of course, ladles for serving.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Cook the Halal Meat

Start by cooking chopped halal beef or turkey strips in your soup pot until crispy. Remove them and set aside, leaving about two tablespoons of fat in the pot.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about five minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute.

Build the Base

Sprinkle in the flour and cook for one minute to remove the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth, then let it thicken gently.

Add the Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced Russet potatoes and chicken broth. Stir well, then bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about twenty minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Finish the Soup

Mash the potatoes lightly for creaminess or leave them chunky. Stir in sour cream, most of the cheddar, and most of the cooked halal meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish each bowl with scallions, extra cheese, and the remaining halal meat.

Substitutions and Variations

This soup is versatile and easy to customize. You can swap in shredded chicken or diced halal turkey for extra protein. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of whole milk. Spice lovers can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also mix in extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more nutrition. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use vegetable broth.

What to Serve with Baked Potato Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough bread, cheesy garlic bread, or even cornbread. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness of the soup. Serve it as a main course on cold evenings or as a hearty starter for a family meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. If the soup thickens too much after storing, stir in extra chicken broth when reheating. Warm it slowly on the stove over low heat while stirring often to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving of loaded baked potato soup contains about 460 calories, 24 grams of fat, 43 grams of carbs, and 18 grams of protein. These numbers are approximate and may vary depending on substitutions. It’s a filling meal on its own, so serving it with light sides keeps the balance just right.

Explore Similar Recipes

If you love this recipe, try a creamy cheesy crack potato soup for weeknight dinners, a shredded chicken and rice stuffed peppers recipe, crockpot steak bites for tender and savory meals, or chicken and pumpkin dumplings for cozy dinner ideas.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Loaded baked potato soup is a cozy, family-friendly dinner that tastes indulgent but is simple to prepare. With creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory toppings, it’s everything you love about a baked potato in a comforting soup. Make it your own with easy variations and enjoy it with fresh bread or salad. You can also find more comforting meal inspiration by checking our recipe collection on Pinterest. This soup is sure to become a staple for chilly nights.

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