This Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, with creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a touch of spice from salsa verde. It’s a delicious twist on the classic baked potato, made even better with cheddar cheese, yogurt or sour cream, and plenty of fresh cilantro. Perfect for a cozy meal on cold days!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 cup whole milk (or preferred variety)

• 1/4 cup salsa verde

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5 minutes). Remove and reserve the bacon, draining off excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the same pot and cook for 5 minutes until fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Prepare the Base: Stir in the butter and flour, cooking for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and potatoes, then partially cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are very soft. Mash about 1/3 of the potatoes with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.

4. Add Dairy and Flavorings: Stir in milk, salsa verde, yogurt (or sour cream), and cheddar cheese. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

5. Finish the Soup: Remove from heat, stir in cilantro. Thin the soup with additional broth if necessary.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with yogurt or sour cream, extra cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon bits.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~471 kcal per serving

• Protein: ~19g

• Carbohydrates: ~38g

• Fat: ~27g

• Saturated Fat: ~10g

• Fiber: ~4g

• Sugar: ~7g

The Base: Creamy Potatoes and Flavorful Broth

At the heart of this soup is the humble russet potato. Russet potatoes are ideal for soups because of their creamy texture once they’re cooked and mashed. The potatoes in this recipe are peeled and cubed, then simmered in chicken broth until they’re soft and tender. As the potatoes cook, they soak up the savory flavors of the chicken broth, creating a flavorful base for the soup.

The secret to the creamy texture comes from mashing about one-third of the potatoes with a potato masher. This creates a nice balance between smooth creaminess and chunkiness, giving the soup body and texture that’s satisfying without being too thick or too thin.

Crispy Bacon: A Savory Touch

Crispy bacon is one of the star ingredients in this soup. It brings a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes. The bacon is cooked in the same pot to release its flavorful fat, which is then used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding extra depth to the base of the soup.

Once the bacon is crispy, it’s reserved for topping the soup at the end, ensuring it remains crunchy and delicious. You can also crumble the bacon into smaller bits for an even distribution of flavor in each bite. The bacon’s richness and savory profile enhance the entire dish, making each spoonful even more satisfying.

Aromatic Vegetables: Onion and Garlic

The addition of onion and garlic provides a solid flavor foundation for the soup. The onion is sautéed until it becomes fragrant and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness, while the garlic adds a sharp, aromatic note that complements the other ingredients.

The onion and garlic are cooked in the bacon fat, which not only adds flavor but also helps tie the ingredients together, creating a savory base for the soup.

The Dairy: Creaminess and Richness

To make the soup creamy and rich, whole milk is added, providing a velvety texture without making the soup overly heavy. For an extra indulgent touch, the addition of yogurt (or sour cream) helps to make the soup extra creamy while giving it a slightly tangy note that balances the richness of the potatoes and cheese.

Cheddar cheese is the next layer of indulgence in this soup. As the cheese melts into the hot broth, it creates a smooth, cheesy consistency that coats the potatoes and vegetables. The sharp flavor of the cheddar contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture, adding depth and richness to each bite.

The Spice: Salsa Verde for Heat and Flavor

One of the standout ingredients in this soup is the salsa verde. This tangy, slightly spicy sauce made from tomatillos and green chilies adds a refreshing kick to the soup, giving it a burst of flavor that’s both zesty and spicy. The salsa verde brings a vibrant green color to the soup, as well as an extra layer of complexity that takes the classic baked potato soup to the next level.

If you prefer more heat, you can easily adjust the amount of salsa verde to your liking. It’s a simple way to add a new dimension of flavor without overwhelming the dish with too much spice.

Finishing Touches: Cilantro and More Bacon

Once the soup is simmered to perfection and all the ingredients are combined, it’s time for the finishing touches. Fresh cilantro is stirred in, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the soup. The cilantro complements the tangy salsa verde and balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Before serving, top the soup with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess. Sprinkle with extra cheese, green onions, and, of course, crispy bacon bits for a satisfying crunch. These garnishes not only add flavor but also give the soup an appealing, restaurant-quality look.

Nutritional Benefits

This Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup is hearty and satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food without being too heavy. At approximately 471 calories per serving, it’s a balanced meal with plenty of protein from the bacon and cheese. The soup provides about 19g of protein, 38g of carbohydrates, and 27g of fat, making it a well-rounded dish that will keep you full and satisfied.

The fiber content of about 4g per serving, primarily from the potatoes and vegetables, helps with digestion and adds to the soup’s satisfying nature. Additionally, the vitamin C in the cilantro, tomatoes, and lime juice adds a touch of freshness and supports immune health.

While this soup is rich in flavor and texture, it’s still light enough to enjoy as part of a balanced meal. The combination of healthy fats from the yogurt and olive oil, along with the vegetables and spices, makes this soup a nourishing and indulgent option for any meal.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is perfect for a cozy meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light option, serve it with a side salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. For something heartier, serve it with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

If you’re looking for more protein, you can add grilled chicken or serve the soup alongside a simple grilled sandwich, such as a classic grilled cheese or a turkey club, for a more substantial meal.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Food

The Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying and flavorful twist on the classic baked potato. With creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and the tangy heat of salsa verde, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s perfect for cold days when you need something warm, hearty, and nourishing, but it’s also light enough to enjoy as a meal year-round.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, serving it to guests, or bringing it to a potluck, this soup is sure to impress. Easy to make, customizable to your taste, and packed with delicious flavors, this Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup is a must-try recipe for any home cook.