The BEST Loaded Baked Potato Soup

I love, love, love potato soup, and this is one of my favorite recipes to make. (We're making it tonight!) My mom's is pretty good, but I know she doesn't like to cook with as much fatty goodness as I do. I'm the cook, not the cardiologist. I'm not sure if this is the "BEST Loaded Baked Potato Soup" as the title puts it... but it's pretty high up there on my favorite recipe lists.

THE BEST LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

SOURCE: DESSERT NOW, DINNER LATER!

SERVES: 6;   PREP-TIME: 15 minutes;   TOTAL TIME: About 1 hour
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INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (12oz) Package of bacon (about 10 strips)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 6 Small russet potatoes, peeled & cut into half-inch cubes
• 1 cup of half & half
• 1 cup of medium cheddar cheese
• 4 green onions, chopped
• Salt & Pepper to taste

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DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large stock pot, either dice the bacon and cook it, or cook it in the strips and dice it; drain off the fat and SAVE IT. Let the bacon rest on a paper towel.

2. Using 4 Tablespoons of the bacon fat, saute the onion and garlic for 5-10 minutes or until translucent.  Add the flour to form a roux. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes.

3. Add chicken broth and russet potatoes. Allow to simmer for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender..

4. Add half and half, cheddar cheese, green onions, and half of the bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Allow to simmer an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

5. Serve soup topped with extra bacon, cheese, and green onions. Savor every bite :)

Enjoy!