Introduction
Loaded baked potato soup is a creamy, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days when you’re craving comfort food. This simple recipe combines the rich flavors of potatoes.
cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth to create a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even for a crowd at a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
1-2 lb bag of frozen hash brown potatoes
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 8 oz block of cream cheese
1 32 oz container of chicken broth
1 package of ranch seasoning
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (to taste)
Instructions
To begin, pour the frozen hash brown potatoes into a large pot or slow cooker. The frozen hash browns are perfect for this recipe because they don’t require thawing and will help create a thick, creamy soup.
Then, add the entire can of cream of chicken soup, followed by the block of cream cheese. The cream cheese will melt into the soup as it cooks, creating a velvety texture and rich flavor.
Next, pour in the chicken broth. This will help loosen up the mixture and give the soup its signature consistency. Stir everything together to combine.
making sure the cream cheese breaks down and blends into the soup mixture. Then, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix, which will infuse the soup with zesty flavor.
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. These seasonings will help enhance the overall flavor of the soup. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your preferences.
Once everything is combined, set the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes to an hour.
depending on how thick you like it. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the pot.
If you’re using a slow cooker, set it on low for about 4 hours or high for 2 hours. During this time.
the flavors will meld, and the cream cheese will fully melt into the soup. The frozen potatoes will also soften and break apart, making the soup thicker and creamier.
For an extra touch, you can top the soup with chopped green onions, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or sour cream just before serving.
These toppings add a delicious contrast to the creamy soup, giving it that “loaded” baked potato effect.
Finally, serve the soup hot with some fresh crusty bread or crackers on the side for a perfect meal. This dish is sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves a rich, creamy soup full of flavor.
How to Make
Making this loaded baked potato soup is incredibly easy and requires little hands-on time. Start by grabbing a large pot or a slow cooker. If you’re using a pot.
simply add the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, and block of cream cheese, followed by the chicken broth.
This mixture will quickly come together with just a few stirs. The frozen potatoes will thaw as the soup simmers, and the cream cheese will melt into the broth to create a creamy base.
If you prefer a slow cooker, just add all the ingredients directly to the cooker and set it on low. The slow cooking process ensures the potatoes break.
down into a creamy texture, and the flavors meld beautifully over time. If you’re in a hurry, the stovetop method will give you a faster result without compromising the soup’s richness.
Once the soup is simmering, stir it occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Once the potatoes are tender, check the consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup.
you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher, or simply let it simmer for a little longer until it reaches your desired thickness.
When it’s time to add the seasonings, start with the ranch seasoning, and then adjust with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
These seasonings elevate the soup’s flavor and give it that delicious “loaded” taste.
Once everything is cooked through and the soup is thick and creamy, garnish it with shredded cheese, and green onions to bring it all together.
Tips
To make the soup even creamier, consider adding a little bit of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking process.
This will give it an extra velvety texture and make the soup even richer.
If you want to add more flavor to the soup, consider cooking some chopped bacon in the pot before adding the other ingredients.
The bacon fat will infuse the soup with even more depth of flavor. Just be sure to reserve some crispy bacon for topping the soup when serving.
For those looking to make a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a lighter cream cheese or even Greek yogurt.
The ranch seasoning packet already adds plenty of flavor, so you won’t miss the richness as much.
For a bit of added spice, you could sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give your soup a little kick.
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well as a substitute, especially for those looking for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Serve this soup with a fresh salad for a more balanced meal, or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish alongside warm bread.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the soup if needed.
Conclusion
This loaded baked potato soup is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With its creamy texture.
delicious seasonings, and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a family or a small gathering, this recipe will surely warm hearts and stomachs alike.
In just a short time, you can enjoy a bowl of hearty, flavorful soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Simple to make and full of comforting flavors, it’s a dish everyone will look forward to.