Hard Rock Cafe Baked Potato Soup
Creamy baked potato soup with crispy bacon, Cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for comforting gatherings and fans of hearty, flavorful soups.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 2/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 6 cups hot chicken stock ⓘ
- 4 cups diced, peeled baked potatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse black pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop bacon and set aside.
- Cook onions in bacon drippings over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes.
- Add flour, stirring to prevent lumps, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture just starts to turn golden.
- Gradually add hot chicken stock, stirring until the liquid thickens.
- Reduce heat to simmer and add diced baked potatoes, heavy cream, chopped bacon, parsley, minced garlic, basil, salt, Tabasco sauce, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese and green onions, heating until the cheese melts smoothly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also use gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free. Be sure to stir constantly when adding the stock to prevent lumps. Using pre-baked potatoes speeds up the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked potato soup hot, garnished with additional cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with Chicken Delightful or as a starter to a hearty main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hard Rock Cafe Baked Potato Soup contains roughly 1098 calories, with 19g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (100% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1938mg per serving (84% 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 freeze baked potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze baked potato soup, but note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal for baked potato soup due to their fluffy texture when cooked. They hold up well in the soup and absorb flavors nicely. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture if that's your preference.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add extra heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or include diced jalapeños when simmering the soup. Alternatively, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a different kind of spice. Adjust according to your heat tolerance for the perfect kick!
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).