Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

15 baked potatoes, peeled and roughly mashed

½ cup (1 stick) butter

½ cup all-purpose flour

6 cups milk (warm)

1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 cup cooked bacon bites

½ cup green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Make the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

2. Add Milk: Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Potatoes: Stir in the mashed baked potatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Cheese & Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then mix in sour cream.

5. Final Touches: Add most of the bacon bites and half of the green onions. Stir well.

6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.

This soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Want to add more richness? Stir in some heavy cream or top with croutons for extra crunch.