MICROWAVE BAKED POTATO CHOWDER

Microwave Baked Potato Chowder image

Provided by Nan Richardson

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 12

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3 large baking potatoes
3 1/2 c milk, whole or 2% is best devided
4 oz cream cheese
2 Tbsp butter
2 green onions with tops chopped
4 oz sharp white or yellow chedder cheese, grated
pinch salt to taste
pinch black pepper to taste
toppings
broccoli florets steamed and chopped (optional)
sour cream (optional)
bacon, cooked and cut into pieces (optional)

Steps:

1. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise; place in large MICROWAVE SAFE baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of the milk over potatoes. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 11 minutes. Remove baking dish from microwave. Move center potatoes to ends of baker and outer potatoes to center. Cover; microwave on HIGH 8-11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Remove from microwave. Coarsely mash potatoes, set aside.
2. Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add remaining 3 cups milk, whisking until smooth. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to baking dish. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 3-5 minutes or until mixture is hot.
3. Slice green onions. Carefully remove baking dish from microwave. Grate cheddar cheese over chowder using Rotary Grater; add green onions, salt and black pepper and mix until cheese is melted. Serve with toppings, if desired.