Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the roux base
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and smooth, stirring constantly so it doesn’t scorch.
Simmer into a thick soup
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 12-15 minutes, so the soup coats the back of a spoon.
Add potatoes and seasonings
- Fold in the scooped baked potato flesh and mash some pieces for texture. Continue mixing until the potatoes are dispersed throughout the soup.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and sour cream until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly combined and taste-balanced.
Finish and serve loaded
- Fold in most of the crumbled bacon. Keep the remaining bacon for topping so each bowl gets a visible sprinkle.
- Serve the soup hot with extra sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and green onions. Add toppings right before serving so they stay fresh and distinct.
Notes
Pro tip: For the smoothest texture, whisk the milk and broth in gradually so there are no lumps, then keep stirring while it simmers until thickened. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stove until hot, stirring often to prevent scorching. Freezing isn’t recommended because dairy soups can break when thawed. For a lighter swap, use half-and-half in place of some whole milk and reduce the sour cream slightly.
