Loaded Baked Potato Soup

About a year ago, I had saved this recipe because who doesn't love loaded baked potatoes?  It took me a year to finally get around to trying it.  The day after New Year's 2012, Catherine and I were looking for something to do, and this came to mind, especially since January is Soup Month.  As I note below, baking the potatoes and then peeling them was a pain in the tookus.  The next time we make it, I may just take the lazy way and peel them first and then boil them.  I honestly don't think it will taste that different.  And let me just say, this was one delicious soup!

• 6 slices of bacon, diced and fried
• 1 Tbsp. bacon drippings, reserved 
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. dried basil
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 4 cups (2 cans) chicken broth
• 2-3 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
  (Although I baked and peeled and cubed the potatoes, I will admit it was rather time-consuming and a bit of a hassle.  For future reference, peeling and boiling potatoes would be an easier solution to save time, if preferred)
• 1 cup half-and-half cream (I used ½ cup milk, ½ cup half and half)
• ½ tsp. hot sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste

Garnish

• Sour cream
• Bacon strips, diced 
• Green onions or chives, sliced
• Cheddar Cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain the bacon, reserving about 1 tablespoon of drippings. Set bacon aside on paper towel covered plate to drain. 
2. Sauté onion in the drippings until tender.  As the onion becomes translucent, add the garlic, taking care that the garlic does not burn.
3. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well.
4. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes.
5. Add most of the potatoes (reserve some in case mixture is too thin), cream/milk, cheese, and hot pepper sauce; heat through but DO NOT BOIL, stirring continuously. If mixture is too thin, mash some of the potatoes and add to broth or add some potato flakes. If mixture is too thick, add more liquid (broth, cream, milk, or water). 
6. Garnish with bacon, sour cream, green onions, and additional cheese, if desired.

Adapted from:  AllRecipes


Nutritional Data:
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