Guy Fieri’s Baked Potato Soup Recipe

What more can I say – Guy Fieri’s Fully Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a dish that truly warms your soul.

You won’t need complicated ingredients for this, just some hearty elements like thick-cut bacon, sharp Cheddar, and of course, potatoes.

To get that rich, creamy base, render the bacon fat and mix it with flour and warm milk. This technique makes all the difference!

It’s the perfect blend of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more (I know from experience!).

How to Make Guy Fieri’s Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large Baking Potatoes
• 12 slices Bacon (thick-cut)
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 6 cups Milk (2% low-fat)
• 5 oz. Cheddar Cheese (sharp, grated)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

While the oven is heating, clean and dry the baking potatoes.

Place them on a roasting tray and bake for about 45 minutes until a knife can easily pierce them.

Step 2:

Cook the bacon over medium heat in a large skillet until crispy.

Remove the bacon and reserve a few tablespoons of the bacon fat for later.

Let the bacon cool, then crumble it.

Step 3:

In a large pot, add the bacon fat and gradually mix in the flour to form a roux.

Stir continuously over medium heat until smooth.

Slowly add warm milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Step 4:

Add the grated cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted and smooth.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Mix in the baked potatoes, using a spoon or potato masher to break them into chunks within the soup.

Step 5:

Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of cheese and bacon on top.

Feel free to enjoy with some bread!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Bacon Gets Better

Don’t rush through cooking the bacon, as it will infuse your soup with smoky, delicious flavors.

I also recommend trying turkey bacon if you want to lighten the calorie load a bit.

Potato Consistency Matters

When mashing potatoes in the soup, leave small chunks for texture and authenticity, as that’s what Guy intended!

This way, you’ll have a hearty bite with each spoonful.

Cheese Choices

Sharp cheddar works best for a bold taste.

If you’d like to experiment further, try mixing cheeses, such as a little Parmesan or Jack for a unique twist.

Spice Things Up

A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika adds great depth without overpowering the other flavors.

Remember to taste the soup as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly!

What to Serve with Guy Fieri Baked Potato Soup

Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls

You can’t go wrong with serving soft, warm pull-apart dinner rolls alongside Guy Fieri’s baked potato soup.

They’re perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of that creamy goodness.

The buttery, fluffy texture of these rolls makes them an ideal companion for this hearty soup.

Coconut Rice

If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, give coconut rice a try.

The subtle sweetness and creamy texture of the rice complement the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.

It adds an exotic twist to your meal without overpowering the main dish.

Roasted Chicken Legs

Another delicious option is roasted chicken legs.

Their savory and crispy exterior pairs well with the smooth, cheesy soup, providing a great balance of flavors.

Plus, they add a protein boost to the meal, making it even more satisfying.

Quick and Fresh Mango Avocado Salad

For a fresh and vibrant side, whip up a mango avocado salad.

The combination of sweet mango and creamy avocado adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

It’s a light and healthy side that brightens up your plate with its vivid colors and lively taste.

Buttered Cornbread

Buttered cornbread is a classic side that never fails to impress alongside a bowl of soup.

The sweet and crumbly texture of good cornbread complements the savory flavors of Guy’s recipe perfectly.

Make sure to serve it warm with a generous smear of butter for optimal enjoyment.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Cheeses

You might want to switch up the cheese type in this recipe!

Try using smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.

Each cheese can lend a unique taste profile to the soup, so experiment to find your favorite!

Meat Alternatives

If you want a different meat option, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.

You could even try adding some cooked chicken or ham for a heartier soup.

It’s a fun way to customize based on what you have on hand or prefer.

Dairy-Free Options

For those seeking dairy-free alternatives, switching to almond or oat milk is a great choice.

Nutritional yeast can replace the cheese flavor if you’re avoiding dairy.

These substitutions keep the soup creamy without using traditional dairy products.

Potato Variations

Consider trying red or Yukon Gold potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Each type of potato brings its own texture and taste to the soup.

This change can create exciting new experiences with each bite.

Gluten-Free Options

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Cornstarch is another alternative to help thicken the soup.

These easy swaps maintain the soup’s thick, comforting consistency without the gluten.

How to Store Leftover Guy Fieri Baked Potato Soup

Storing leftover baked potato soup properly is essential to keep it fresh and delicious.

Let’s start with the easy steps you can take to keep it safe for a few days.

Cooling Before Storing

First, make sure your soup has cooled down to room temperature before storing it.

Letting the soup cool is important to avoid heat creating condensation in the container, which can lead to spoilage.

Remember, don’t leave it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigeration

Once the soup is cool, transfer it to an airtight container.

You can refrigerate the soup for up to three to four days.

This will maintain its taste and quality while keeping it safe to eat.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to store it for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option.

Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.

Seal tightly and label with the date, then freeze for up to two months.

With just a few tips, your leftover soup will be ready to enjoy whenever you want.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the Potatoes

You might be tempted to leave the potatoes in the oven just a little longer, but overbaking can make them too dry.

Dry potatoes can lose that creamy texture you want in a soup.

Check them with a paring knife to see if it goes through easily.

Using Pre-Shredded Cheese

Using pre-shredded cheese might seem convenient, but it doesn’t melt as well.

These cheeses often have added ingredients to prevent clumping.

Grating your own cheese results in a smoother, creamier soup.

Incorrect Bacon Preparation

Cooking bacon until it’s crumbly can make the texture unpleasant in the soup.

You’ll want to render the fat without making it too crispy.

Remember to save a little bacon for garnish to add a nice touch.