O'Cheeze Potato Soup

Said to be from a chain restaurant. My daughter worked there and used to bring it home. When she quit I had to make it for myself. I'm so glad she knew the recipe. I love it.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 397 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ¼ pound bacon
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 1 (8 ounce) package processed cheese (such as Velveeta®), cubed
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 ½ pounds red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives, divided
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble when cool.

Step 2

Cover potatoes with water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat until tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes; drain.

Step 3

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and stir in flour; mix until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in half-and-half until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, and cook until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in processed cheese cubes until melted and smooth.

Step 5

Season with white pepper, garlic powder, and hot pepper sauce.

Step 6

Mix in cooked potatoes, cover, and simmer until potatoes are very tender and soup is thickened, about 30 minutes; stir occasionally.

Step 7

Ladle soup into bowls and top each bowl with equal amounts shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, and parsley.