Hearty Roasted Garlic Baked Potato Soup is the kind of comfort food that wraps you up in warmth and flavor. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe combines roasted garlic and creamy potatoes into a velvety soup that's guaranteed to satisfy.
The star of our soup is the russet potatoes. They have a high starch content, making them ideal for this creamy soup. The whole garlic bulb is roasted to bring out its natural sweetness and mellow flavor. Olive oil is used to coat the potatoes and garlic, helping them roast to perfection. Chicken broth provides a flavorful base while the heavy cream adds richness. Cheddar cheese melts into the soup, offering a sharp, comforting taste. Sour cream gives a slight tang that balances the heaviness. Crispy bacon crumbles and green onions add texture and flavor, while butter rounds everything out with a smooth, buttery finish. Don't forget the salt and pepper to season to your liking.
This soup pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad or a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A glass of chilled white wine complements the creamy, savory flavors, making it a delightful dinner option.
First, preheat your oven to 400Β°F. While the oven is heating, grab your potatoes and garlic bulb. Rub them generously with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and let them roast for 45β50 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the potatoes are tender and the garlic is soft.
Once they're cool enough to handle, peel the skins off the potatoes. For the garlic, just squeeze it out of its skin β it should come out easily like a paste. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the roasted garlic and mashed potatoes, stirring them together.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go. This helps the soup begin to thicken. Once that's mixed well, add the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely into the soup.
Now, stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it all heat through, but donβt let it boil. You're aiming for a smooth, creamy consistency.
Finally, serve the soup hot, generously garnished with bacon crumbles, green onions, and a sprinkle of extra cheese if you like.