Baked Potato Soup

Frog Prince has been requesting a "baked potato soup".

Being a good wife, I of course, added it to our weekly menu in an attempt to make his desired bowl of soup.

Only problem was, when it came to "soup night", I was stuck in the lab, working with students.

So, my dear husband, mother and sister went to work preparing this yummy soup.

It sure is a winner!

Baked Potato Soup - Finding Joy in My Kitchen
{Print Recipe}

Ingredients

• 5 C diced russet potatoes {about 5 medium potatoes}
• water to cover the potatoes
• 6 oz. chopped broccoli {frozen or fresh}
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 C milk*
• 1 C cream*
• 1 C extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 C bacon bits
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

*Alternatively, you can use all milk, or all half-and-half.

Directions

Boil potatoes in water; season with salt and cover allowing the potatoes to cook for about 30 minutes.  Stir potatoes occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the soup kettle.

Mash the potatoes a few times with a potato masher. The consistency should be similar to very thick applesauce.

 

 Then, add in onion and broccoli.

Allow the broccoli to cook for about 5-7 additional minutes, until slightly tender.

Meanwhile, shred the cheese.

Pour milk and/or cream into the soup mixture.  Heat until warmed throughout. Remove from the burner.

Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.  Sprinkle in bacon.  Season with paprika and garlic powder.

Serve with a crusty bread.

**Updated (12/12/11):  Today, we made this first by boiling the potatoes, adding in the onion & broccoli as directed above and then transferring it to a crockpot.  Once in the crockpot (on low), I added half and half, seasonings and cheddar cheese.  I allowed the soup to cook in the crockpot for 2 hours or so on low and then served it with crumbled bacon and extra cheese.  The crockpot method worked great!

This post is linked to:
Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods, What's on Your Plate, SoupaPalooza