If you're looking for a hearty and delicious soup recipe, look no further than Loaded Baked Potato Soup. This recipe is perfect for those chilly winter nights, and with only 220 calories per serving, it won't ruin your diet.
Not only is this soup tasty, but it's also packed with nutrients. It's loaded with potatoes, which are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C. You'll also find plenty of other healthy ingredients in this soup, including onions, garlic, and low-fat milk.
In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks for making the perfect Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Whether you're an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find something useful here to take your soup to the next level.
Ingredients
To make Loaded Baked Potato Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you have all of these ingredients on hand before you start cooking.
How to Make It
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Here's how to make Loaded Baked Potato Soup:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into small pieces.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the chopped potatoes and chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the low-fat milk, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until everything is melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
It's that easy! In just a few simple steps, you can make a delicious pot of Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
As mentioned earlier, each serving of Loaded Baked Potato Soup contains only 220 calories. Here's a breakdown of the nutrition information for this recipe:
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 10g
As you can see, this soup is low in calories and fat but high in protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.
Health Benefits
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Some of the health benefits of this soup include:
- Potatoes are a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
- The garlic in this recipe has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- The low-fat milk in this recipe is a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones.
- Onions contain prebiotics, which can help improve gut health.
So not only will you be enjoying a tasty meal, but you'll also be doing your body some good.
Serving Suggestions
While Loaded Baked Potato Soup is delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can jazz it up and make it even more satisfying. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Top with crumbled bacon or some extra shredded cheese for added flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pour over a baked potato for the ultimate comfort food experience.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Loaded Baked Potato Soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Soup Variations
While Loaded Baked Potato Soup is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up a bit. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some cooked bacon or ham for a meatier soup.
- Replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Stir in some chopped kale or spinach for a healthier version of the soup.
Get creative and try out some different variations to find your favorite version of this soup.
Kid-Friendly Options
If you're looking for a soup that even your picky eaters will love, look no further than Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Here are a few ways to make this soup more kid-friendly:
- Leave out the onions and garlic if your kids don't like them.
- Top with some fun garnishes like crumbled goldfish crackers or chopped up hot dogs.
- Serve with some crusty bread for dipping.
These simple modifications can turn this soup into a family favorite.
Soup Toppings
One of the best things about Loaded Baked Potato Soup is all the fun toppings you can add. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Croutons
- Hot sauce
Try out some different toppings to find your perfect bowl of soup.
Cooking Tips
While Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a pretty simple recipe, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to make sure it turns out perfectly every time. Here are a few cooking tips:
- Cut the potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- Be sure to simmer the soup long enough to get tender potatoes and a creamy texture.
These simple tips can make a big difference in the final product.
Recipe Variations
If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to change up the recipe and make it your own. Here are a few recipe variations to try:
- Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
- Add some cooked chicken or ground beef for a heartier soup.
- Stir in some frozen corn or peas for added texture.
With so many different variations, you'll never get bored of Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Some of the health benefits of this soup include: Potatoes are a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. The garlic in this recipe has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. The low-fat milk in this recipe is a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones. Onions contain prebiotics, which can help improve gut health.
5 FAQ about Loaded Baked Potato Soup
1. What are the ingredients in Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Loaded Baked Potato Soup typically contains potatoes, bacon, cheese, milk or cream, chicken or vegetable broth, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
2. Is Loaded Baked Potato Soup a healthy option?
While it can be high in calories and fat due to the cheese and bacon, there are ways to make it healthier by using low-fat cheese and turkey bacon, and adding in more vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
3. Can Loaded Baked Potato Soup be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
4. What are some toppings that can be added to Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Common toppings include additional shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives.
5. What can be served with Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
It pairs well with a salad, crusty bread, or a sandwich. Grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches are great options.