MY DELICIOUS BAKED POTATO AND BACON SOUP

My Delicious Baked Potato and Bacon Soup image

Provided by Norma DeRemer @PApride

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 pound(s) baking potatoes (about 4 to 6) depending on size
4 slice(s) turkey bacon
2 1/4 cup(s) chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon(s) kosher salt
3 - garlic cloves, minced
3 3/4 cup(s) 1% low fat milk
1/2 teaspoon(s) black pepper
1 1/2 cup(s) fat free, low sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoon(s) chopped freah parsley (optional)
1/2 cup(s) sliced green onions
1/2 cup(s) (2 1/2 ounces) finely shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400
Pierce potatoes with a fork, place of a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour or until tender.
Remove from oven and cool slightly.
Partially mash potatoes, including skins with a potato masher and set aside.
Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp, remove from pan and crumble.
Add the onion to bacon drippings in pan and saute 5 minutes;add salt,garlic and bay leaf and saute for 2 minutes.
Add potatoes, milk, pepper and broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Discard bay leat and stir in parsley if desired.
Remove from stove and top individual servings with bacon,green onion and cheese