Here's a complete recipe for Baked Potato Soup that serves 4-6 people. This soup is rich, creamy, and packed with the flavors of roasted potatoes, onions, and garlic.
**Basic Recipe:**
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs baking potatoes, peeled and diced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or nonfat)
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Optional: chopped scallions, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, or croutons for toppings
**Cooking Steps:**
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper until they're evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until they're tender and lightly browned.
4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until they're softened and fragrant.
5. Add the roasted potatoes, chicken broth, and milk to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
7. Purée the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender to desired smoothness.
8. Season the soup with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the soup hot, topped with your choice of chopped scallions, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, or croutons.
**Tips for Correct Cooking Techniques:**
* Make sure to roast the potatoes until they're very tender, as this will make the soup creamy and rich.
* Don't over-blend the soup, as this can make it too thick and unappetizing.
* Taste the soup regularly and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more paprika, salt, or pepper to taste.
* Experiment with different types of potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes, for different flavors and textures.
* Add some spice to the soup by mixing in diced bell peppers, chopped jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cumin powder.
**Variations and Add-ins:**
* **Cheddar Bacon Baked Potato Soup:** Add 2 tablespoons of crumbled cooked bacon and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup.
* **Southwestern Baked Potato Soup:** Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 can of black beans, and 1 teaspoon of cumin powder to the soup.
* **Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Baked Potato Soup:** Add 2 cloves of roasted garlic, minced, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary to the soup.
* **Loaded Baked Potato Soup:** Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of diced cooked bacon to the soup.
* **Vegan Baked Potato Soup:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the butter.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Baked Potato Soup!
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