We all have special foods we eat only during the holidays. These meals, in some way, have a sentimental meaning and are beloved traditions. They may hold a family connection, seasonal flavor, cultural origin, or begin as a “new recipe we should try” and then end as a must-eat family favorite each Christmas season. That is exactly what happened to me and my family.
My family used to rotate hosting Christmas every year with other family members. A meal was always a part of the festivities, along with a gift exchange, a reading of the Christmas story, and games into the night. As for the meal, it was always planned weeks in advance. There were the traditional Christmas foods served: ham, turkey, Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets, a variety of vegetables, bread, punch, and dessert. But every so often, new dishes would appear, one being a baked potato soup. Since this recipe graced our table, it has become a tradition that we can’t miss eating on Christmas Eve.
This recipe was found and first made by my Nana. The soup tastes like a typical potato soup, but with a little extra pizzazz. It is a cheesy, gooey bowl of warmth and comfort, topped with your customary baked potato toppings. However, it is more than just a soup. Similar to watching only certain movies at Christmas or listening to certain songs, these special holiday foods bring back memories. When the first bite hits your mouth or its smell when cooking fills the air, you suddenly recall treasured moments of past Christmases. You are taken back to the time when you first tasted the dish, those who were around you, and the person who made it. After all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
Christmas is the time of the year for loved ones, coming together, reminiscing about the past, and creating new memories. And what better way to do that than with the power of food. For decades, food has been known to bring people together. It is a source of fellowship and love. Having a beloved, special, once-a-year holiday dish is also a symbol of generosity and hospitality. While eating together, your loved ones develop a sense of belonging, communication, and acceptance – some of the main ingredients needed in a classic Christmas get-together.
Now that my Nana has passed, my family has continued to make the potato soup every Christmas Eve in her honor. The first year after she was gone, we couldn’t find the recipe, but after digging through some drawers, there it was, waiting to be made for another year. Holiday recipes are also a source of discussion and should be passed down from generation to generation. They are little reminders that the ones who have left us are still with us during the Christmas season.
Maybe the recipe for the Baked Potato Soup will make its way to your Christmas dinner. Trust me, it is delicious and mouth-watering!
Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups baked and diced potatoes
- ⅔ cup butter
- ⅔ cup flour
- 2 Tablespoons minced onion
- 7 cups milk
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 1 ¼ cups grated cheese of choice (I use a combination of Velveeta and shredded cheddar cheese. Also, I add in more cheese based on taste.)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Directions:
- Bake, cool, peel, and dice the potatoes. Place in the bowl and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Then, mix in the flour. Add the onion. Slowly, add in the 7 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a medium white sauce. Add in the potatoes and cheese. Once combined, stir in the bacon, sour cream, and pepper. Heat until the cheese is melted. Serve with additional cheese, sour cream, and bacon on top.
