Baked Potato Soup
Creamy, hearty, and comforting, baked potato soup combines the velvety texture of mashed potatoes with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, it offers rich flavors and a satisfying warmth that appeals to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes and bake in a conventional oven at 400°F for 1 hour or until done.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp.
- Melt the margarine in a heavy saucepan over low heat.
- Add all-purpose flour, stirring until smooth.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
- Add the potato pulp, salt, black pepper, green onions, 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook until heated through.
- Stir in sour cream.
- Add extra milk if necessary to reach desired thickness.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, bacon, and cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier soup, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on time, pre-baked or microwaveable potatoes can work as a substitute. You can also use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option. To enhance the flavor, add garlic powder or smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Grits Casserole for a comforting dinner. Top each bowl with extra bacon, cheese, and green onions for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of milk if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Potato Soup contains roughly 933 calories, with 16g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2042mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of milk. You can also add extra veggies like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the soup. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.
Can I freeze baked potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze baked potato soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).