Cooking Light's Best Ever Potato Soup

This really is Cooking Light's best ever Potato Soup recipe! Low in fat, very filling, and delicious!

Cooking Light's Baked Potato Soup

(Sept 2007 voted best ever soup)

2 tbsp. butter

1/4 of a large onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

4 baking potatoes (about 2-1/2 lbs.)

2/3 cup all-purpose flour (about 3 oz.)

6 cups milk (use 2 percent reduced fat if you prefer)

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, divided (use reduced fat if you prefer)

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 cup reduced-fat sour cream

3/4 cup chopped green onions, divided

6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Cracked black pepper (optional)

Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce potatoes with a fork; bake at 400° for 1 hour or until tender. Cool. Peel potatoes; coarsely mash.In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until soft, about 8 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Place flour into the vegetables; gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly (about 8 minutes).Add mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup cheese, salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper, stirring until cheese melts. Remove from heat.Stir in sour cream and 1/2 cup onions. Cook over low heat 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated (do not boil).Ladle 1-1/2 cups soup into each of 8 bowls. Sprinkle each serving with 1 1/2 tsp. cheese, 1-1/2 teaspoons onions, and about 1 tbsp. bacon. Garnish with cracked pepper, if desired. I also added a few bacon bits for garnich on top. Serves 8.