Nolechek's Best Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Nothing says winter comfort like a toasty-warm bowl of soup, especially our hearty Loaded Baked Potato Soup with all of the fixings! The crispy crown jewel of this steamy winter dish are the savory bits of Nolechek’s Hickory Smoked Honey Cured Bacon that we generously sprinkle on top of each bowl, plus the melty Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese we like to heap on top. Easy to make and even easier to love, this potato soup recipe is one of our all-time favorites and we know everyone at your house will love it just as much as we do!

• 8 slices (or more, if you like!) of Nolechek's Hickory Smoked Bacon, diced and fried crisp
• 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/4 C. all-purpose flour
• 1 small yellow onion, diced fine
• 3 C. milk
• ½ C. half & half
• 2 C. chicken broth
• 3 large or 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and cubed (we're biased, but we think Wisconsin-grown potatoes are the best!)
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 C. shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 C. sour cream
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

After you’ve fried your diced bacon, set it aside on a plate covered in paper towel and allow it to drain.

Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat and whisk in flour, cooking and whisking constantly until the roux mixture begins to brown, about 1 minute. Add the diced onion and stir to coat, then gradually whisk in milk and half & half and cook, whisking frequently, until the soup is slightly thickened. Stir in the chicken broth and then add the diced potatoes and garlic powder. Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender. Salt and pepper your soup to taste and spoon into bowls.

Here comes the best part: Top each bowl with shredded Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese (we like to use LaGrander’s Sharp Cheddar), add a healthy dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with green onions, and – we saved the best for last – add all the crispy Nolechek’s Bacon pieces that you want!

We hope our Loaded Baked Potato Soup satisfies you as much as it’s satisfied us - and that you consider it a “keeper”, like we do, and add it to your winter meal rotation.

Enjoy!

     - Nolechek’s Meats