Recipes by Brad, Simple Recipes anyone can make

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Winter Comfort (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the creamy texture and rich flavor of this loaded baked potato soup. Precise measurements ensure the right balance of textures and tastes for an ideal winter comfort meal.

Russet Potatoes (4 large, peeled and diced)

Russet potatoes provide a fluffy texture when cooked and mashed slightly in the soup. Their starchy nature helps thicken the broth naturally while delivering that classic baked potato taste.

Smoked Turkey (6 slices, cooked and diced)

Crispy smoked turkey adds savory depth and a lighter protein option. It balances the creaminess with its smoky bite and enhances the overall savory profile essential to loaded baked potato dishes.

Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar)

The sharp cheddar melts smoothly into the warm soup creating richness and tanginess. It’s key for achieving that gooey, cheesy feel that makes this recipe stand out as winter comfort food.

Green Onions (3 stalks sliced)

Green onions contribute fresh mild onion flavor and a pop of color. They complement heavier ingredients by adding brightness to each spoonful of this creamy potato soup.

Heavy Cream (1 cup)

The heavy cream gives the soup its velvety smooth texture and luscious mouthfeel. It blends perfectly with broth and cheese to enrich every bite without overpowering other flavors.

Chicken Broth (4 cups)

A rich chicken broth forms the flavorful base of the soup. It infuses depth and warmth while keeping the consistency light enough to enjoy throughout cold weather days.

Butter (3 tablespoons)

Butter adds a subtle nuttiness and smooth finish when sautéing aromatics or enriching the base. It also enhances mouthfeel by providing gentle richness.

Garlic (2 cloves minced)

Mild garlic infuses savory aroma into the broth without overwhelming delicate flavors. It supports balance by adding complexity alongside potatoes and cheese.

Sour Cream (½ cup)

Sour cream lends tangy creaminess while slightly thickening the final texture. It brightens flavors making this loaded baked potato soup irresistibly comforting.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper brings all ingredients together harmoniously. Proper seasoning is essential for maximizing flavor without overpowering subtleties.

Ingredient close-up

# Instructions:

This detailed guide will help you create a velvety loaded baked potato soup that’s full of warmth and flavor for your winter comfort needs.

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Start by peeling four large russet potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized cubes about one inch each. This ensures they cook uniformly for consistent texture throughout the soup. Rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess starch then set aside while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Smoked Turkey

In a large pot over medium heat, dice six slices of smoked turkey into small pieces and cook until lightly crisped and heated through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove turkey pieces carefully with a slotted spoon onto paper towels. Add two tablespoons of butter to the pot to provide flavor for the next cooking steps.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add one additional tablespoon of butter to the pot then melt it over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about one minute—taking care not to burn garlic which can cause bitterness in your final dish.

Step 4: Add Potatoes & Broth

Add diced potatoes directly into the pot with sautéed garlic mixture then pour four cups of chicken broth over them ensuring potatoes are fully submerged. Increase heat to bring everything gently to a boil before reducing heat to simmer covered for about twenty minutes or until potatoes become fork-tender but still hold shape well.

Step 5: Mash Some Potatoes

Spoon out about half of the cooked potatoes into a separate bowl then lightly mash them with a fork or potato masher. Return mashed portion back into pot stirring gently; this technique thickens your soup naturally while retaining pleasing chunks throughout.

Step 6: Incorporate Dairy Ingredients

Ladle one cup heavy cream along with half cup sour cream into pot; stir thoroughly over low heat until all dairy melts smoothly blending with potatoes creating rich consistency without boiling vigorously which could curdle cream components.

Step 7: Add Cheese & Smoked Turkey

Add one-and-a-half cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese slowly while stirring consistently until melted completely within hot soup base enhancing gooey texture plus fold in diced smoked turkey pieces reserving some to garnish later on top before serving.

Step 8: Season & Garnish

Taste your loaded baked potato soup then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference balancing all flavors perfectly. Finally sprinkle sliced green onions generously across bowls just before serving adding fresh color contrast plus mild onion zest completing your winter comfort dish experience.