Panera's Famous Baked Potato

Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup: 5-Step Delicious Recipe

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Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup: 5-Step Delicious Recipe

Welcome, fellow food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the glorious world of comfort food with a beloved classic. Get ready to recreate a restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen with our guide to Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup: 5-Step Delicious Recipe. This creamy, hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a warm, comforting hug in a bowl.

There’s nothing quite like a rich, velvety potato soup, especially one loaded with all the fixings of a perfect baked potato. We’re going to walk you through each step to ensure your homemade version is just as delicious, if not more, than the original. Let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Craving Comfort? Recreate Panera’s Baked Potato Soup at Home!

There’s a reason Panera’s baked potato soup is a legendary item on their menu – it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Imagine tender chunks of potato, a rich, creamy broth, and all the savory toppings you could wish for. Now, imagine making it even better, right in your own kitchen!

This copycat recipe captures the essence of that beloved taste, allowing you to enjoy this hearty meal anytime. It’s an ideal dish for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

2. Why You’ll Love This Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup: 5-Step Delicious Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this baked potato soup recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly satisfying, offering warmth and flavor with every spoonful. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks.

This creamy potato soup is customizable with your favorite toppings, making it a crowd-plepleaser. Forget the drive-thru; your homemade version will quickly become a cherished favorite. It’s truly a perfect comfort food for any occasion.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Baked Potato Soup

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this magnificent soup. Most of these are likely staples in your pantry and fridge. For an authentic taste, don’t skimp on quality!

  • 4 large Russet potatoes (about 2.5-3 lbs), scrubbed clean
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions, for garnish

4. Let’s Get Cooking: 5 Simple Steps to Panera’s Baked Potato Soup

Ready to transform simple ingredients into a bowl of pure delight? Follow these 5 steps carefully, and you’ll have a heartwarming meal in no time. This easy soup recipe is designed to be straightforward and delicious.

4.1. Step 1: Bake the Potatoes to Perfection

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
  2. Bake potatoes directly on the oven rack for 60-75 minutes, or until very tender when squeezed.
  3. Once cool enough to handle, scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell. Reserve the potato skins for another use or discard. Mash the scooped potato flesh and set aside.

4.2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Onion & Garlic)

  1. While potatoes bake, cook the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot. Set bacon aside for garnish.
  2. Add butter to the pot with bacon drippings (or just butter if no drippings). Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4.3. Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

  1. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken your soup. For more on making a perfect roux, check out Serious Eats’ guide on roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Return to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

4.4. Step 4: Blend & Stir in the Goodness

  1. Add the mashed potatoes to the simmering liquid. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency – smooth or with a few small potato chunks. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
  2. Stir in the salt and black pepper. Add the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
  3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This homemade soup is almost ready!

4.5. Step 5: Garnish & Serve Your Masterpiece

  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish generously with the reserved crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting bowl of Panera’s Famous Baked Potato Soup: 5-Step Delicious Recipe!

5. Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations

To make your potato soup even more spectacular, consider these tips. For a richer flavor, use full-fat dairy products. Don’t overblend if you like some texture; a few potato chunks are wonderful.

Want to switch things up? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist, or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. You could also experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a sharp white cheddar. Add some cooked, shredded chicken for an even heartier meal.

For a vegetarian option, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon, perhaps adding some roasted mushrooms for umami. See others recipes here .

6. Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Soup Experience

This fantastic Panera copycat recipe is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crusty loaf of bread or some warm, buttery rolls are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.

For a complete meal, serve alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the soup. A grilled cheese sandwich also makes for a classic and delightful pairing, making for the ultimate comfort food combination.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I freeze Panera’s Baked Potato Soup?

While you can freeze this soup, dairy-based soups like this one can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed due to the fat content. To minimize this, allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and you may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture. It’s best consumed within 2-3 months.

How long can I store leftover soup?

Leftover Panera’s Baked Potato Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down quickly before refrigerating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring well to prevent separation.

What kind of potatoes are best for this soup?

Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this recipe. Their high starch content makes them fluffy and easily mashed, contributing to a wonderfully creamy soup texture when blended. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly more buttery flavor and smoother consistency.

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