Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

By Thom7747

Serving Suggestion:
Serve this hearty soup with a quick bagged green salad tossed with your favorite KRAFT Lite Dressing.

Special Extra:
Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper just before serving.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve with saltine crackers.

Ingredients

• 8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 carton (32 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 3 lb. large baking potatoes (about 6), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Preparation

Step 1

COOK and stir bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet with slotted spoon, reserving 2 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels; refrigerate until ready to use. Add onions to drippings in skillet; cook and stir 5 min. or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour; cook and stir 1 min. Add 1 cup broth; cook and stir 2 min. or until sauce comes to boil and thickens. Pour into slow cooker. Stir in remaining broth and potatoes; cover with lid. Cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours (or HIGH 5 to 6 hours).

USE slotted spoon to transfer 4 cups potatoes to medium bowl; mash until smooth. Add 1-1/2 cups cheese to remaining mixture in slow cooker; stir until melted. Stir in mashed potatoes and milk; cook, covered, 5 min. or until heated through.

PLACE bacon on paper towel-covered microwaveable plate. Microwave on HIGH 20 to 30 sec. or until heated through. Serve soup topped with bacon, remaining cheese, sour cream and chives.