Loaded Baked Potato Soup

By KitchenGnome

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups water, divided
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1-1/2 cups mashed potato flakes
• 1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced

Preparation

Step 1

In a large skillet, saute onions in butter until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in 1 cup water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker.

Add the broth, potatoes, potato flakes, bacon, pepper, salt, basil, thyme and remaining water. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in cream; heat through. Garnish with cheese and green onions.
Yield: 10 servings.