MIMI'S LOADED POTATO SOUP FOR 1 OR 2

Mimi's Loaded Potato Soup for 1 or 2 image

Provided by Karla Harkins

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1-2 potatoes, cut in bite-sized pieces
2 tsp glory chicken soup base (found in a jar in aisle with broth and boullion)
2 c boiling water
1/2 medium onion, or more or less to taste
1-2 tsp dried celery flakes (i use mccormick's)
6 slice bacon, fried and crumbled (or you can use real bacon bits from a package)
1 c cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz cream cheese cut in cubes
to taste salt, coarse black pepper, granulated garlic
TOPPINGS TO PERSONAL TASTE
bacon, fried crispy and drained
cheddar cheese, grated
green onion, or finely chopped sweet onion or chives
coarsely ground black pepper
sour cream to taste

Steps:

1. Put chicken stock base in a 2 cup microwave safe measuring cup and microwave on high for 3 minutes, or until boiling.
2. While stock is boiling cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces and put the potatoes, chopped onion,celery flakes and in a saucepan. Pour boiling stock over just until it barely reaches the tops of the potatoes. Boil over medium heat until potatoes are just barely fork tender. Don't get too soft or the potatoes will disappear as the soup is stirred.
3. Remove potatoes from heat and put grated cheddar cheese and cream cheese on top of the potatoes. Let the heat soften enough so that it can be stirred into the potates with out mashing the potatoes. Add 1/2 stick butter and salt, pepper and granulated garlic to taste. Stir in well.
4. Pour into bowls in individual servings and top with remaining bacon crumbles, grated cheddar cheese,salt, pepper and sour cream on top if desired. Serve hot.