Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Creamy, Cheesy & Irresistible!

1. Cook the Bacon (Flavor starter!)
In a soup pot, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in pot.

2. Sauté Aromatics
Cook onion in bacon fat until soft (~5 mins).

Add garlic, cook 1 min until fragrant.

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3. Build the Soup
Stir in flour to make a roux (1 min).

Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk.

Add potatoes, smoked paprika, salt & pepper.

Simmer 15-20 mins until potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Creamify the Soup
Use a potato masher to partially blend (leave some chunks!).

Stir in sour cream and butter until creamy.

5. Serve Loaded!
Ladle into bowls and top with:

Shredded cheddar (watch it melt!)

Bacon crumbles

Green onions

Dollop of sour cream

Pro Tips for Soup Perfection
🔥 Bake potatoes first – For deeper flavor, roast potatoes before adding to soup.
🔥 Too thick? Add more broth. Too thin? Simmer longer or add mashed potato flakes.
🔥 Crockpot option – Cook on LOW 6-8 hrs, add dairy last 30 mins.

5 Next-Level Variations
🧀 Broccoli Cheddar – Add 2 cups chopped broccoli with potatoes.

🌶 Spicy Southwest – Mix in canned green chiles + top with jalapeños.
🍗 Buffalo Chicken – Stir in shredded chicken + hot sauce.
🥓 Loaded Cauliflower – Swap half potatoes for cauliflower (low-carb!).
🍯 Horseradish Twist – Add 1 tbsp prepared horseradish to soup.

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FAQs (Boosts Dwell Time for Higher RPM!)
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Add directly from frozen (may need extra cook time).

How long does it keep?
4-5 days in fridge or 3 months frozen (add toppings fresh).

Dairy-free option?
Use coconut milk + vegan cheese + coconut yogurt.

Final Verdict: Comfort in a Bowl!
This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor—the ultimate hug in a bowl. Don’t lose this recipe… you’ll want it forever!

Now, grab those potatoes and get cooking! 🥔✨