There is something truly heartwarming about a bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Chilly Evenings With the Kids. This cozy soup combines creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and melty cheese to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s a perfect recipe to gather the family around the table, offering not only comfort but also a fun way to share a meal that everyone can enjoy. The flavors are rich but balanced, and the textures—from velvety soup to crispy bacon bits—keep each spoonful exciting and satisfying.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Chilly Evenings With the Kids Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the soup’s creamy foundation or delivering bursts of savory goodness.

6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced: The star of the soup, providing rich creaminess and body when cooked and partially mashed.
6 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky crunch and depth of flavor that makes this soup unforgettable.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Offers a sweet, aromatic base that complements the potatoes and bacon beautifully.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers subtle pungency and warmth, enhancing the savory notes.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides the liquid to cook the potatoes tender while keeping the soup flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
2 cups whole milk: Gives the soup a luscious, creamy texture and balances out the richness of the bacon and cheese.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for cheesy goodness, with some reserved for topping.
½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and a silky finish when dolloped on top.
¼ cup chopped green onions: Brings a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate the overall flavor.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Chilly Evenings With the Kids

Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. This step not only delivers that irresistible bacon flavor, but the rendered bacon fat forms a flavorful base for sautéing the onion and garlic. Once browned, set the bacon aside with a slotted spoon, leaving about two tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot to cook the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for a Flavor Boost

Next, add the diced yellow onion to the pot. Sauté for around four minutes until the onion softens and starts to turn translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This careful cooking builds up a robust, savory foundation for your soup, ensuring every bite bursts with warmth and comfort.

Step 3: Simmer Potatoes in Broth

Add the diced russet potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook until tender, about 20 minutes. This simmering allows the potatoes to absorb the savory broth, transforming them into the perfect texture for a hearty soup.

Step 4: Mash Partially for Creamy Texture

Using a potato masher or immersion blender, blend the potatoes directly in the soup pot. The goal is to create a creamy base while still leaving chunks for texture. This technique keeps the soup wonderfully thick and satisfying, striking a balance between smoothness and bite.

Step 5: Stir in Dairy and Bacon

Pour in the whole milk, then fold in half of your shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cooked bacon. Let the soup simmer gently for about five minutes to let the cheese melt and flavors meld. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your family’s tastes.

Step 6: Serve and Top Creatively

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, a generous spoonful of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. This final flourish adds bursts of color, flavor, and that special homemade touch everyone will love.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Chilly Evenings With the Kids

Garnishes

The magic of Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Chilly Evenings With the Kids really comes alive with fresh garnishes. Sour cream adds creaminess, while green onions lend a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. Extra crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese not only boost flavor but offer delightful texture contrasts, making each bowl a fun and personalized experience for the kids and adults alike.

Side Dishes

This soup plays well with simple sides like crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables. These light accompaniments balance the soup’s creaminess and keep the whole dinner from feeling too heavy after a chilly day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls to impress the kids. You can also let everyone customize their bowls with a topping bar featuring chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream. This interactive way of serving makes the meal exciting and encourages the kids to get involved in their dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator, this soup holds up beautifully for two to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as freshly made bowls. Just give it a good stir before reheating as the potatoes may settle.

Freezing

You can freeze Loaded Baked Potato Soup for up to three months—perfect for meal prep or a future cozy night. To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the texture of dairy may change slightly after thawing, but stirring in sour cream freshens it up nicely.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat to prevent scorching and curdling. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much. Avoid using high heat and microwaving for best results, preserving that creamy, comforting texture everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add smoky flavor without meat, consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke. You could also use vegetarian bacon alternatives if you like.

What if I don’t have russet potatoes?

Russets are ideal for their starchy, fluffy texture, but you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier, buttery flavor. Just be mindful they may hold their shape a bit better and require slightly longer cooking.

Can this soup be made dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the whole milk for a creamy dairy-free milk like coconut or oat milk, and replace sour cream with a plant-based alternative. Use nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese for that cheesy flavor while keeping it vegan.

How spicy is Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Chilly Evenings With the Kids?

This soup is mild and kid-friendly by nature. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for adults who want a kick, but the recipe itself keeps things comforting and gentle for little palates.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can peel and dice the potatoes, chop the bacon, and prep the onions and garlic a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This makes the cooking process quicker and more relaxed on busy evenings with the kids.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one recipe you keep in your cozy cookbook, let it be this Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Chilly Evenings With the Kids. It’s deliciously simple, comforting, and sure to become a family favorite. The joy of making it together and the smiles it inspires with every bowl make these chilly evenings something to look forward to. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup for Chilly Evenings With the Kids Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings with kids. It combines classic baked potato flavors with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy sour cream for a deliciously satisfying soup that warms the whole family.

Instructions

Cook bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more to release its fragrance.
Simmer potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Mash potatoes: Using a potato masher or immersion blender, partially mash the potatoes in the pot to create a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for body.
Add dairy and bacon: Stir in the milk, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked bacon. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining cheddar cheese, reserved bacon, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Use an immersion blender carefully to retain some texture in the soup by only partially pureeing the potatoes.
Adjust milk amount for thinner or thicker soup consistency as preferred.
To make the soup ahead, refrigerate and reheat gently, adding extra milk if it thickens too much.
Feel free to swap out cheddar for your favorite melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and sautéing
Cuisine: American