Description
If you love the warm, hearty goodness of a loaded baked potato, then this Loaded Baked Potato Chowder is about to become your new favorite comfort food. It’s thick, creamy, and packed with crispy bacon, melted cheese, tender potatoes, and a touch of sour cream for the perfect tang. Best of all, it comes together in about 40 minutes, making it an easy, satisfying meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chowder:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Toppings:
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
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Cook the Bacon
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In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy (6-8 minutes).
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Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2 tbsp bacon grease in the pot.
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Sauté the Aromatics
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Add butter to the pot, then stir in onion and cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
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Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Make the Roux
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Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
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Add the Potatoes & Broth
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Pour in chicken broth, then add diced potatoes.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Cook until potatoes are fork-tender (15 minutes).
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Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
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Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup for a creamier texture. Skip if you prefer it chunky.
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Stir in Dairy & Cheese
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Reduce heat to low and stir in milk, heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
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Stir until cheese is melted and everything is fully combined.
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Finish & Serve
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Stir in half of the crumbled bacon and season with salt & pepper to taste.
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Serve topped with extra bacon, cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
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Notes
- For extra depth, add roasted garlic or a pinch of cayenne.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping bacon and using vegetable broth.
- For a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes or let it simmer longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450kcl
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg