Ultimate Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Chowder
Experience the comforting flavors of a loaded baked potato in a warm and creamy soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This Ultimate Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Chowder elevates the classic dish with tender chunks of baking potatoes simmered in rich chicken broth and enhanced with aromatic onions and garlic. The addition of creamy half-and-half, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon makes every spoonful a delight. Customize your bowl with your favorite toppings like fresh chives, sour cream, and extra cheese for a truly indulgent treat. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this chowder is sure to become a new favorite!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking Potatoes
6 (peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Chicken Broth
1 quart
Garlic Cloves
3 (minced or pressed)
Butter
1/4 cup
Salt
2 1/2 teaspoons
Pepper
1 teaspoon
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
1 cup
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup
Fresh Chives
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Sour Cream
1 cup (optional)
Bacon
8 slices (fried and crumbled)
Additional Cheese
as desired (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, combine the peeled and cubed baking potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, chicken broth, butter, salt, and pepper.
2
Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
3
Once cooked, use a potato masher or immersion blender to gently mash the mixture until the potatoes are coarsely chopped, creating a slightly thickened soup.
4
Stir in the cream (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives. Mix well until the cheese has melted and everything is combined.
5
Serve hot, topped with dollops of sour cream (if using), crumbled bacon, and additional cheese as desired.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
30g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Chowder?
It is a comforting, slow-cooked soup that features the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato, including tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sour cream in a creamy broth.
What kind of potatoes are best for this chowder?
The recipe calls for baking potatoes, such as Russets, because their high starch content helps thicken the soup and creates a perfect texture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, for the smoothest and most traditional chowder texture, the potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a crock pot or slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook on the High setting?
When cooking on High, the chowder should be ready in approximately 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
How long does it take to cook on the Low setting?
When cooking on Low, the chowder requires approximately 8 hours to ensure the potatoes are fully softened and flavors are melded.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe specifies one quart of chicken broth for a rich, savory base.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.
How do I thicken the potato chowder?
The soup is naturally thickened by mashing some of the cooked potatoes with a potato masher or an immersion blender after the initial cooking period.
Should I use heavy cream or half-and-half?
Either will work; heavy cream will result in a richer, thicker chowder, while half-and-half offers a slightly lighter consistency.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the best flavor?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a bold, tangy flavor that stands up well to the potatoes.
When should I add the cheese and cream?
These ingredients should be stirred in at the very end, after the potatoes are cooked and mashed, to prevent curdling.
How do I prepare the bacon for this soup?
The bacon should be fried until crispy, then crumbled and added as a topping just before serving.
What are the best toppings for this chowder?
Popular toppings include sour cream, crumbled bacon, fresh chives, and extra shredded cheddar cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving of this potato chowder.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
The chowder provides about 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use an immersion blender for the whole soup?
You can use an immersion blender, but it is recommended to only pulse it a few times so the potatoes remain coarsely chopped rather than completely pureed.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 minced or pressed garlic cloves for extra flavor.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter to be added to the crock pot at the start of cooking.
Are fresh chives necessary?
Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and bright color, but you can substitute them with green onions or dried chives if needed.
Is this chowder gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your chicken broth and bacon to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How do I store leftover chowder?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this potato chowder?
Freezing is not recommended as dairy-based soups and potatoes can change texture and separate when thawed and reheated.
How should I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Yes, carrots or celery can be added at the beginning for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is the sour cream mixed in or used as a garnish?
The recipe suggests using it as an optional topping, but you can stir it into the individual bowls for extra creaminess.
What size should the onion be chopped?
One large onion should be finely chopped so it softens completely during the slow cooking process.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, though you can adjust to taste.