O'Charley's Baked Potato Soup

By Ellan

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. red potatoes
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 quarted half-n-half
• 1 lb. block Velveeta cheese, melted
• White pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
• 1/2 lb. bacon, fried crisply
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation

Step 1

Dice unpeeled red potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a large Dutch oven, Cover with water and bring to a boil. Let boil for 10 minutes or until almost cooked. In a separate large Dutch oven, combine melted margarine and flour, mixing until smooth. Place over low heat and gradually add half-n-half, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until smooth and liquid begins to thicken. Add melted Velveeta. Stir well. Drain potatoes and add to cream mixture. Stir in pepper, garlic powder and hot pepper sauce. Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place soup into individual serving bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheses, chives and parsley.