Baked Potato Soup

Baked Potato Soup

I started making this recipe about five years ago.  When the air starts turning crisp, that is when I feel the need to turn on my oven!  Don't use boiled potatoes...it's just not worth it.  This soup gets its rich flavor from the baked potatoes!  I always serve this soup with toppings which include: bacon, cheddar cheese, and scallions.  Oh, breadsticks finish the deal!  Here goes...

4 baking potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds)

2/3 cup flour

6 cups 2% Milk

1 cup cheddar cheese, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

1 cup sour cream

3/4 cup chopped green onions

6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled.

*Preheat oven to 400 

*Pierce potatoes with a fork; bake for 1 hour or until tender.  Cool.  Peel potatoes; coarsely mash.

*Place flour in large Dutch oven; gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended.  Don't worry if it is a little lumpy...this will thicken and be fine!

*Cook over medium heat (being careful not to burn) about 8 minutes...until thickened.

*Add mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup of cheese, salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper, stirring until cheese melts.  Remove from heat.

*Stir in sour cream, and 1/2 cup of onions.  Cook over low heat 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated (do not boil). 

Serve in bowls, adding toppings as desired.

Enjoy!!

Yield: 8 servings ( I always double since this is wonderful the second day)