Warm up with a hearty bowl of cream-free Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup, generously piled with irresistible toppings! This recipe promises the ultimate comfort without the heavy cream.

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The Ultimate Comfort: Cream-Free Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup

As the chill of winter sets in, or as you look for the perfect hearty dish to celebrate special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup. But what if you could enjoy all the rich, satisfying flavors of a loaded baked potato soup without the usual heavy cream and butter? This recipe for Cream-Free Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup is here to prove that you don’t need excessive fat to create a truly delicious and comforting meal. We’re talking about a lighter, yet incredibly flavorful, soup base that still allows for those beloved “loaded” toppings that make baked potatoes so irresistible.

Forget compromising on taste; this recipe delivers a symphony of flavors and textures, ensuring every spoonful is as satisfying as the last. It’s a testament to the fact that wholesome ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can achieve culinary magic. Crafted with a light chicken (or vegetable) broth base and finished with a touch of milk, this soup achieves a velvety consistency and profound depth of flavor without weighing you down. Get ready to ditch the guilt and dive into a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort!

Why This Cream-Free Potato Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup stands out, making it a must-try for anyone seeking warmth, flavor, and a touch of homemade goodness. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience in wholesome indulgence.

Lighter, Yet Luxuriously Creamy: The genius of this soup lies in its ability to deliver the rich, comforting texture of traditional potato soup without relying on heavy cream. By pureeing a portion of the cooked potatoes into the broth, you create a natural thickness that mimics creaminess, enhanced by the addition of skim milk (or your milk of choice) and sharp cheddar cheese. This innovative approach makes it a fantastic option for those looking for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Bursting with Flavor: From the sautéed onions and garlic that form the aromatic foundation, to the savory chicken broth and the tang of sharp cheddar, every ingredient plays a vital role in building a complex flavor profile. The star, of course, are the tender russet potatoes, which absorb all these wonderful flavors as they simmer.
Customizable “Loaded” Toppings: The “loaded” aspect is where the fun truly begins! Just like a baked potato, this soup is a canvas for your favorite toppings. Crispy bacon, vibrant green onions (scallions), extra shredded sharp cheddar, and a dollop of plain yogurt or light sour cream transform each bowl into a personalized masterpiece. Feel free to experiment with chives, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, hosting a lively St. Patrick’s Day gathering, or simply craving a comforting meal, this soup fits the bill. Its hearty nature makes it substantial enough for a main course, and its universally appealing flavors are sure to please everyone at the table.
Freezer-Friendly: One of the best qualities of this soup is its excellent freezer-friendly nature. Make a large batch and store individual portions for quick, wholesome meals throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping and busy schedules.
Simple & Straightforward: Despite its gourmet taste, the preparation of this soup is surprisingly simple. With clear instructions and readily available ingredients, even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can create extraordinary dishes.

The Magic Behind “Cream-Free” Richness

Many people assume that a truly rich and creamy soup requires copious amounts of heavy cream. This recipe challenges that notion beautifully. The secret to its incredible texture and depth of flavor lies in a few clever techniques. Firstly, russet potatoes, known for their high starch content, break down wonderfully when cooked, naturally thickening the soup base when pureed. This creates a luxurious body without any added fats. Secondly, the strategic addition of milk (skim milk is used here for an even lighter touch, but 2% or whole milk can also be used for added richness) at the end of the cooking process contributes to a silky smooth finish without boiling, which helps prevent curdling and maintains that desirable mouthfeel. Finally, the generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese stirred in not only provides a phenomenal flavor burst but also adds to the perceived creaminess and overall richness of the soup. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, proving that lighter doesn’t mean less flavorful.

Essential Ingredients for a Stellar Soup

Each ingredient in this Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup plays a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor and texture profile. Let’s delve into what makes them so special:

Russet Potatoes: These are the undisputed stars of our soup. Their high starch content is key to achieving that natural thickness and creamy texture when pureed. They absorb the savory broth beautifully, becoming tender and ready to transform into a smooth base.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This forms the foundational liquid of our soup, infusing it with a savory depth from the very beginning. Using broth instead of water elevates the overall flavor profile, ensuring every spoonful is rich and satisfying. For a vegetarian version, opt for a good quality vegetable broth.
Milk (Skim Recommended): Added towards the end, milk contributes to the soup’s final creamy consistency without the heaviness of cream. Skim milk is an excellent choice for keeping the soup lighter, but feel free to use 2% or whole milk if you prefer a richer outcome.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is where the “cheddar” in the title truly shines! Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the soup, imparting a tangy, savory, and incredibly comforting flavor. The strong taste of sharp cheddar means you need less to make a big impact, further enhancing the soup’s light yet flavorful profile. Sargento® Traditional Cut Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a fantastic option for consistent quality and flavor.
Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): The unsung heroes of many great soups, sautéed yellow onion and minced garlic provide an aromatic base that deeply enhances the overall flavor. They bring warmth and complexity, building a robust foundation for the other ingredients.
Toppings (Bacon, Scallions, Yogurt/Sour Cream): These are what make the soup “loaded”! Crispy crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch. Fresh, thinly sliced green onions (scallions) provide a mild, refreshing bite and a pop of color. A dollop of plain yogurt or light sour cream adds a cool, tangy counterpoint that brightens the entire dish, mimicking the classic baked potato experience. Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of cheddar!

Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup

Yield:
4 servings

Rating: 4.7 stars based on 14 reviews

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. butter
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (approx. 4 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks
1 14 oz. can chicken or vegetable broth
1 3/4 cups milk (skim recommended)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 1/2 cups Sargento® Traditional Cut Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 green onions/scallions, chopped
Plain yogurt or light sour cream, for topping

Instructions

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cubed russet potatoes and the chicken or vegetable broth; bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12-14 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully transfer a portion of the potato and broth mixture to a blender or food processor and purée until completely smooth. Repeat in batches if necessary. Alternatively, for convenience, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it reaches your desired smooth consistency. Return the entire puréed mixture to the saucepan. Stir in the milk and heat over medium-low heat until hot, being careful not to bring it to a boil. Season generously to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated, making the soup wonderfully cheesy and rich.
Ladle the warm soup into four individual serving bowls. Evenly top each bowl with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the crispy crumbled bacon, the chopped scallions, and a generous dollop of plain yogurt or light sour cream.
Serve immediately and enjoy this incredibly comforting and flavorful loaded baked potato cheddar soup!

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Tips for the Perfect Potato Soup

Achieving the perfect bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup is easier than you think with these simple tips:

Potato Choice Matters: While russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content, Yukon Golds can also work well, offering a slightly creamier texture with less pureeing. Avoid waxy potatoes like red bliss, as they won’t break down as effectively to thicken the soup.
Achieving Smoothness: If using a standard blender, be careful when blending hot liquids. Fill the blender only halfway, secure the lid, and remove the small cap on the lid (or open a corner) to allow steam to escape. Cover the opening with a kitchen towel to prevent splattering. An immersion blender is often easier and safer for blending directly in the pot.
Don’t Boil After Adding Milk/Cheese: Once you’ve added the milk and stirred in the cheese, keep the heat low and only warm the soup through. Boiling after these additions can cause the milk to curdle or the cheese to separate, resulting in a grainy texture.
Seasoning is Key: Potatoes absorb a lot of salt. Taste and adjust your seasoning frequently throughout the cooking process, especially after adding broth and milk, and before serving. Freshly ground black pepper adds a wonderful zest.
Prep Your Toppings: Have all your toppings ready to go before the soup is done. This ensures you can serve each bowl piping hot with perfectly fresh garnishes.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This versatile soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes:

Classic Pairings: Serve your soup with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
Make it Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a vegetarian delight by simply using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will still be incredibly robust and satisfying.
Cheese Swaps: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar, or even a touch of smoked Gouda, could add an interesting twist.
Add More Veggies: Stir in some frozen corn, diced carrots, or finely chopped celery along with the potatoes for added texture and nutrients. Add them early enough so they have time to soften.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can give the soup a delightful kick, especially if you enjoy a little heat.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

One of the many benefits of this Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup is its excellent shelf life and freezer-friendliness, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. To store, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency as it can thicken in the fridge.

For longer storage, this soup freezes wonderfully. Once completely cooled, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of potatoes can sometimes change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best experience.

A Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Soup

While delicious any time of year, this hearty potato soup is particularly fitting for St. Patrick’s Day. Its wholesome ingredients, comforting nature, and the inclusion of green scallions make it a fantastic, festive option for celebrating the holiday. It’s a warm, inviting dish that embodies the spirit of hearty, home-cooked Irish-inspired meals, without needing to be traditionally Irish. Serve it as a main course or as a hearty starter to a larger spread.

There you have it – a magnificent recipe for a cream-free Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Soup that promises warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor in every spoonful. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to make, satisfying for any occasion, and a clever way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a lighter, yet equally delicious, format. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this unforgettable soup. Happy cooking!