Crock Pot-Style Loaded Baked Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 6 lg baking potatoes, peeled, 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 lg onion, chopped
• 1 qt chicken broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1c cream or half-and-half
• 1c shredded sharp cheddar
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1c sour cream, optional
• 8 slices bacon, crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine first seven ingredients in a large crock pot; cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours (potato should be tender).
2. Mash until potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup thickens slightly.
3. Stir in cream, cheese and chives.
4. Top with sour cream (if used), sprinkle with bacon and more cheese.