Creating Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup is quite simple if you follow these straightforward steps:

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

1. Add the Potatoes: Stir in the diced russet potatoes, allowing them to mingle with the onion and garlic mixture for about 2 minutes.

1. Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, covering the potatoes completely. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

1. Season the Soup: Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference.

1. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a countertop blender, but be cautious of steam escaping.

1. Add Cream: Once the soup is blended, return it to medium heat and stir in the heavy cream, warming through without boiling.

1. Taste and Adjust: Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.

1. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

These steps will help you create an incredible bowl of Easy Spicy Baked Potato Soup that’s sure to become a household favorite!