Introduction
Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This creamy, hearty soup combines the rich flavors of baked potatoes with the savory goodness of bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning, making it a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and chicken broth creates a velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as green onions, chives, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty soup, making it a great option for family dinners.
Ingredients
1-2 lb bag frozen hash brown potatoes
1 can 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)
1 bag of real bacon bits (Tip: Buy the big bag, pour half, and keep some for garnish)
1 (16 oz) bag of shredded cheese (or shred a block of your choice)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a slow cooker, add:
Frozen hash brown potatoes
Cream of chicken soup
Cream cheese
Chicken broth
Ranch seasoning
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (to taste)
Step 2: Cook
Cook on high for 4 hours, stirring every hour to ensure everything is well combined and the cream cheese melts evenly.
Step 3: Add Bacon and Cheese
After 4 hours, stir in:
Real bacon bits (reserve some for garnish)
Shredded cheese (mix until melted and creamy)
Method for Storing
Proper storage of your Loaded Baked Potato Soup ensures that you can enjoy leftovers while maintaining their delicious flavor and creamy texture. Here’s how to store it effectively:
Storing Leftovers
Cool Down
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the soup watery.
Choose the Right Container
Use an airtight container to keep the soup fresh. If you used a slow cooker, you can transfer the soup to a separate container or cover the slow cooker insert with a lid.
Refrigeration
Place the container in the refrigerator. The soup can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, consider freezing:
Allow the soup to cool completely.
Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
Label the bags with the date. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Refrigerated Leftovers
To reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between.
Frozen Leftovers
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above.
Tips
Avoid Repeated Heating: Only reheat the portion you plan to eat to maintain quality and safety.
Check for Freshness: Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before consuming leftovers.