Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup:

1. Prep the Potatoes: Begin by baking the russet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them for about 45 minutes, or until tender. Let cool slightly before handling.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Broth: Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Prepare the Potatoes: While the broth is heating, peel and dice the cooled baked potatoes into small cubes.

5. Combine: Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

7. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender.

8. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm through for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese if desired.

10. Enjoy: Serve hot, pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for an enjoyable meal!