I came across a recipe recently for Loaded Baked Potato Soup (which I know sounds a bit weird), but I was looking for something that was warming, filling and extremely cheap per portion. I've adapted the recipe a few times and think I've now got it spot on.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

If anybody fancies a bash (in Bulgaria, UK, or anywhere else for that matter) ... here you go:

Ingredients

4-5 lbs baking potatoes
8 slices bacon (I use smoked)
2 tablespoons butter (I use salted)
1 large onion
3 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
3 cups milk
2 cups grated cheddar cheese (keep in two separate cups, 1 for serving)
Salt and Pepper

Method

Bake your potatoes as normal and leave to cool down (you can do this a day ahead if you've got the oven on for anything else).

In a frying pan, fry the bacon until really cripsy, stick them on a piece of kitchen towel to cool, then chop it up.

In a big pan, melt the butter (and throw in any bacon fat left over). Chop the onion and garlic and fry gently until soft.

Scoop out the middle of the baked potatoes and put into a bowl. Chop the 'skins' of the potatoes into small dices and put to one side.

Stir the flour into the onions and garlic and let cook for a minute or so. Pour in the stock and milk. Cook until it comes to a simmer and reduce the heat a bit.

Throw in the middle of the potatoes and mash them into the soup (best you can, this bit is never easy!).

Stir in one cup of the grated cheddar and let it melt into the soup.

Stir in the potato skins and add salt / pepper to taste.

Cook for a few more minutes.

To serve, pour the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the other cup of grated cheddar, chopped crispy bacon (and a splash of sour cream if you fancy).

That sounds really tasty..might have a go at the recipe for tonights dinner.

Another one for the book, thanks Chris

bgbazz wrote:

That sounds really tasty..might have a go at the recipe for tonights dinner.

davshaz wrote:

Another one for the book, thanks Chris

I made another batch last night. It was really good yet again. Well worth a try.

Once we are using the stove and jacket taters are the norm, I will give it a go....minus the bacon for me!

Salted butter? I wish!

Sara

Tried it last night and used some nice crispy smoked bacon and it was a real winner. Thanks Chris.

meandmine wrote:

Tried it last night and used some nice crispy smoked bacon and it was a real winner. Thanks Chris.

Ditto..for tonights meal. Should've made more !

bgbazz wrote:

Ditto..for tonights meal. Should've made more !

I made double amount the second session!

Looks like a good idea, I'll give it a try, thanks Chris.

krypton wrote:

Looks like a good idea, I'll give it a try, thanks Chris.

You won't be sorry..just make a lot more than you think is right. Yumm, it's a big favourite in my house.

bgbazz wrote:

Yumm, it's a big favourite in my house.

Funnily enough, I'm knocking up another batch tonight!

Mmmmmmm! Room for another place at your table?

Recipe noted and stored for when I get to BG looks and sounds fab!!!

oddball wrote:

Recipe noted and stored for when I get to BG looks and sounds fab!!!

Tastes even better!!!