Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

By doodanger

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 1 carton chicken broth, divided
• 3 lb. large baking potatoes (about 6), peeled, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 pkg. shredded triple cheddar cheese with a touch of phili, divided
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup 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 in microwave to heat through. Serve with soup topped with bacon, remaining cheese, sour cream and chives.