Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the potatoes until tender, then cool, peel, and dice them into small chunks.
Sauté The Onions
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 10 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant.
Create The Roux
Stir in the flour and cook for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the flour is fully absorbed without browning.
Add The Liquid Base
Combine chicken stock, potato flakes, basil, and hot sauce in a separate bowl. Gradually whisk this mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow it to simmer gently.
Incorporate Dairy
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and milk. Let the soup thicken slightly while simmering on low heat (do not boil).
Add The Potatoes
Stir in the baked potato chunks. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency. Leave some chunks for a heartier texture.
Season And Serve
Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, scallions, and crumbled bacon.
Notes
This soup is perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.