O’Charley’s Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Like a warm hug on a chilly day, O’Charley’s Loaded Baked Potato Soup has been comforting diners since the late 1990s. You’ve probably heard of this creamy concoction, but do you know the story behind its creation? This hearty soup, with its perfect blend of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and velvety broth, didn’t just appear on the menu by chance. It’s the result of careful culinary craftsmanship and a desire to offer something truly special. If you’re curious about how this beloved dish came to be and how you can recreate it at home, you’re in for a treat.

History

O’Charley’s Baked Potato Soup has a relatively brief but notable history in the domain of American casual dining. You’ll find that this creamy, comforting dish has become a staple on the restaurant’s menu since its introduction in the late 1990s.

As O’Charley’s expanded its footprint across the Southeastern United States, the soup’s popularity grew, cementing its place as a fan favorite.

The recipe’s origins can be traced back to the chain’s effort to diversify its menu and appeal to a broader customer base. You’ll appreciate how it cleverly combines the heartiness of a loaded baked potato with the warmth of a classic soup, creating a unique offering that sets O’Charley’s apart from its competitors.

Over the years, the soup has evolved slightly, with minor tweaks to enhance flavor and consistency. You’ll notice that it’s become a benchmark for other restaurants attempting to replicate its success.

The dish’s enduring popularity has even led to numerous copycat recipes online, allowing fans to recreate the experience at home. This soup’s history reflects O’Charley’s commitment to comfort food innovation and customer satisfaction.

Recipe

O’Charley’s Baked Potato Soup is a beloved comfort food that perfectly combines the heartiness of baked potatoes with the creamy richness of a warm soup. This homemade version captures the essence of the restaurant favorite, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors in the comfort of your own home.

This recipe yields a generous batch of soup, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a velvety cream base creates a satisfying and indulgent dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a taste of nostalgia.

• 6 large baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped chives

In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes until tender, then drain and set aside. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the cooked potatoes, crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon, cheese, and chopped chives.

For a lighter version, you can substitute the half-and-half with milk or use low-fat sour cream. To add more depth of flavor, consider roasting the potatoes instead of boiling them.

For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the cheese and sour cream.

Cooking Steps

To create O’Charley’s famous Baked Potato Soup, you’ll need to follow a series of precise steps.

Begin by preparing the vegetables and bacon, then create a roux with flour to form the soup’s base.

As you progress, you’ll add potatoes and stock, incorporate cream and seasonings, and finally blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 1. Prepare Vegetables and Bacon

Before diving into the soup preparation, you’ll need to properly prepare the vegetables and bacon. Start by washing and peeling the potatoes, then cut them into small, uniform cubes. This guarantees even cooking and a consistent texture in your soup.

Next, finely dice the onions and mince the garlic cloves. These aromatic vegetables will form the flavor base of your O’Charley’s-inspired soup.

For the bacon, you’ll want to cook it until it’s crispy and golden brown. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Cut the bacon into small pieces
2. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp
3. Drain on paper towels and set aside

As you prepare these ingredients, you’re laying the foundation for a rich, comforting soup that’ll transport you to O’Charley’s kitchen.

The careful preparation of each component is vital for achieving the authentic flavor and texture that makes this loaded baked potato soup so beloved. By taking the time to properly dice, mince, and crisp these elements, you’re guaranteeing that every spoonful will be packed with the savory, satisfying taste that O’Charley’s fans have come to expect.

Step 2. Create Roux With Flour

Now that you’ve prepared the vegetables and bacon, it’s time to create the roux, which forms the base of your O’Charley’s-style baked potato soup.

In a large pot over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter until it’s bubbling. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This mixture will become thick and paste-like as you continue to cook it for about 3-4 minutes.

The key to a perfect roux is patience and attention to detail. You’ll want to cook it just long enough to remove the raw flour taste without browning it.

As you stir, you’ll notice the mixture becoming smoother and more cohesive. This process is essential for achieving that rich, creamy texture that’s characteristic of O’Charley’s soup.

Once your roux has reached the right consistency, you’re ready to move on to the next step. This foundation will give your soup body and help thicken it to the ideal texture.

You’re well on your way to recreating that comforting, restaurant-quality soup that’ll make you feel like you’re dining out at O’Charley’s.

Step 3. Add Potatoes and Stock

The potato-stock addition marks an important turning point in your O’Charley’s-inspired soup creation. As you introduce these key ingredients, you’re laying the foundation for the soup’s hearty texture and robust flavor profile. The potatoes, diced into uniform cubes, will slowly break down and thicken the soup, while the stock infuses it with depth and richness.

When adding the potatoes and stock, keep these vital points in mind:

1. Temperature control: Add room-temperature stock gradually to prevent the roux from seizing.
2. Potato consistency: Make certain your potato cubes are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
3. Stirring technique: Use a wooden spoon to gently incorporate ingredients, avoiding over-mixing.

As you carefully combine these elements, you’re not just following a recipe; you’re participating in a culinary tradition cherished by O’Charley’s patrons. The stock’s aroma will begin to meld with the buttery notes of the roux, creating an inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.

This step requires patience and attention to detail, as you’ll need to maintain a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to develop fully. You’re now on your way to recreating a beloved comfort food that brings people together.

Step 4. Add Cream and Seasonings

Adding cream and seasonings elevates your O’Charley’s-inspired baked potato soup from a simple base to a luxurious, flavorful dish. As you slowly pour in the heavy cream, you’ll notice the soup’s texture becoming velvety and rich. This is the moment when your creation truly begins to resemble the beloved restaurant favorite.

Now’s the time to fine-tune your soup’s flavor profile. Start by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; potatoes can handle a good amount of salt.

For that signature O’Charley’s taste, incorporate a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. A dash of garlic powder will add depth, while a pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat.

As you stir in these seasonings, you’re not just cooking; you’re crafting a comforting dish that’ll transport you to the welcoming ambiance of O’Charley’s.

Taste and adjust as you go, trusting your palate to guide you. Remember, this soup is a canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences while staying true to the original’s essence.

Step 5. Blend Until Smooth Consistency

With your seasonings perfectly balanced, it’s time to transform your soup’s texture into the silky smoothness that O’Charley’s is known for.

You’ll need an immersion blender or a regular blender to achieve this consistency. If using an immersion blender, carefully lower it into the pot and blend the soup in circular motions, guaranteeing you reach all areas. For a countertop blender, work in batches to avoid overfilling and potential splashing of hot liquid.

As you blend, you’ll notice the soup becoming progressively smoother. Keep blending until you’ve reached your desired consistency, typically about 2-3 minutes for an immersion blender or 1-2 minutes per batch in a regular blender. The key is to achieve a velvety texture without any lumps.

To confirm you’ve nailed the perfect consistency, consider these visual cues:

1. No visible potato chunks remain
2. The soup coats the back of a spoon smoothly
3. When poured, it flows in a steady, ribbon-like stream

Once you’ve achieved this level of smoothness, you’re ready to move on to the final touches that will elevate your O’Charley’s Baked Potato Soup to restaurant-quality perfection.

Chef’s Final Thoughts

Mastering O’Charley’s Baked Potato Soup recipe allows you to recreate a beloved restaurant favorite at home.

You’ll find that this hearty dish isn’t only comforting but also versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or even adjust the consistency to suit your preferences.

Remember, the key to achieving that signature O’Charley’s flavor lies in using high-quality ingredients and following the cooking process closely.

As you perfect this recipe, you’ll likely discover your own little tweaks that make it uniquely yours. Perhaps you’ll opt for a smoky bacon variety or add a touch of herbs for extra depth.

The beauty of homemade soup is that you’re in control of the flavors and can cater to your family’s tastes.

Sharing this soup with loved ones creates a sense of warmth and togetherness, reminiscent of the restaurant experience.

You’ll find that mastering this recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a piece of O’Charley’s comfort right into your home.

With practice, you’ll soon be serving up bowls of creamy, potato-filled goodness that rival the original.