Fully-Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 large baking potatoes, washed and scrubbed
• 1 cup chopped bacon bits
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of milk or half-and-half
• 2 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven until tender, about 1 hour.
3. While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon bits until crispy, then set aside.
4. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir until combined, forming a roux.
5. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent clumping.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. When the potatoes are done, peel and add them to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
8. Add the pureed potatoes to the soup along with the bacon bits and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
9. If desired, add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
10. Serve hot with desired toppings such as sour cream, chives, or more cheese.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 depending on toppings
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Protein: 15-20g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy texture with a savory flavor.
• A classic American dish that is hearty and comforting.
• Fully loaded with bacon, potatoes, and cheese, making it a filling meal.

User Comments:

1. "This soup is amazing! The combination of flavors is perfect."
2. "I love how creamy and rich this soup is. It's the perfect dish for a cold day."
3. "The addition of bacon and cheese makes this soup so delicious."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh baking potatoes for the best results.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can skip the bacon bits and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.