This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly evenings. Begin by peeling and dicing four large potatoes and boiling them until tender. In a separate pot, sauté a finely chopped onion and a couple of cloves of minced garlic in a knob of butter until golden. Add the cooked potatoes to the pot, then pour in about 1 litre of chicken or vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavours to meld together.

Next, take a hand blender and carefully puree the soup until it's smooth and creamy. For added richness, stir in a generous splash of double cream and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Finally, top your soup with crispy bacon bits, grated cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of freshly chopped chives for the ultimate garnish. Serve it warm with crusty bread for a delightful meal that’s sure to warm both the body and soul. Enjoy!