FULLY LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the potatoes on a roasting tray and bake for 45 minutes. When done, the tip of a paring knife should go through the potatoes easily.
• Slice the bacon into lardons (thin strips) and cook in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
• Add the flour to the drippings in the pot and stir to combine. Cook, without adding color, until the flour and fat has combined, about 1 minute. Pour in the milk while you whisk to incorporate. Cook over medium heat until bubbly and thickened, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes.
• Scoop out the potato pulp from the skins and add to the milk mixture. Mash with the back of a wooden spoon leaving it a little bit chunky.
• Add the cooked bacon (leaving a little out for garnishing the soup), 1 cup of the cheese, and season well with salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted. Remove from the heat.
• Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with sour cream (from a squeeze bottle), sprinkle with remaining bacon bits, grated cheese and chives.

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then crumble. In a large pot over medium-high heat, sauté butter and garlic. Add in milk and flour. Whisk constantly, until slightly thick, about 5 minutes, then add potatoes and season generously with salt and pepper. Increase heat to a simmer. Cook potatoes until creamy and tender, 25 minutes. Stir in cheese and scallions until creamy. Serve topped with crumbled bacon and garnish with sour cream, scallions, and cheddar.