1-First Step: Preparing the Potatoes and Ingredients Piercethe 4 potatoes multiple times with a fork, then microwave them for 12 to 15 minutes until tender. Let them cool a bit, remove the skins, and cut into chunks. Meanwhile, cook the 8 bacon slices in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, then drain and crumble them. This sets the base for your Loaded Baked Potato Soup and takes about 10 minutes. Reserve up to 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat and set aside the rest. If you want to save time, this step is key for building flavor. For a twist, you could bake the potatoes in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes, but microwaving keeps things speedy.

2-Second Step: Sautéing Aromatics In a large pot, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the reserved bacon fat, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup of yellow onion, then cook until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. This adds a savory depth that makes your Loaded Baked Potato Soup extra tasty. Whisk in the 1/3 cup of flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken. Slowly whisk in the 2 cups of low fat milk and 1 cup of half and half until smooth, then gradually add the 2 cups of chicken stock. Don’t forget to mix in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

3-Third Step: Simmering and Combining Bring the mixture to a light simmer and let it thicken for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the remaining cheeses, bacon, and 1 cup of sour cream, then add the potato chunks and break them up as you like. For a creamier texture, mash some potatoes right in the pot. Reserve 1/4 cup each of the mild cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon for garnish. Serve hot, topped with fresh chives. The whole process cooks in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

4-Final Touches and Timing: Total prep time is 10 minutes, with cooking at 25 minutes for a grand total of 35 minutes. Keep an eye on the simmer to get that ideal consistency. If your soup needs adjustments, add more stock if it’s too thick or simmer longer if it’s thin.