Ralph'S Dirty Baked Potato Soup
A creamy, cheesy baked potato soup with crispy potato pieces and fresh green onions, perfect for comforting meals and satisfying hungry crowds.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes until tender, then let them cool slightly.
- Cut the baked potatoes into strips (1/2 to 1/4 inch thick). Leave the skins on.
- Use a clean pair of scissors to cut the potato strips into small pieces.
- Place the potato pieces into a gallon zip lock bag and smash them, leaving some pieces larger if desired for texture.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the pepper and salt.
- Add the smashed potatoes to the soup and heat through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with snipped green onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, or add a little cream at the end. You can also substitute the Idaho potatoes with russet potatoes for a different flavor. If you're short on time, use pre-baked potatoes. Adding garlic or a pinch of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile. This soup pairs beautifully with Ham And Potato Breakfast Casserole for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup hot, garnished with snipped green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Consider offering a side of roasted vegetables or serving it alongside a simple sandwich for a fulfilling lunch. For a more substantial dinner, try it as a starter to accompany your favorite pork recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent separation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ralph'S Dirty Baked Potato Soup contains roughly 894 calories, with 12g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1054mg per serving (46% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up until adding the sour cream and cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and stir in the dairy ingredients until melted and smooth.
Can I freeze the baked potato soup?
Freezing is not recommended as the dairy can separate upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, do so before adding the sour cream and cheese. Thaw it in the refrigerator and add those ingredients when reheating for the best texture.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used as alternatives to sour cream. They will provide a similar creaminess and tanginess, but adjust the quantity to taste for the best result.
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).