Copycat Loaded Baked Potato Soup

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and scrub potatoes. Dry, and dice into 1/2″ cubes. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with chicken stock, bring to a boil. Boil for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are 3/4 of the way cooked. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter over MED heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Let flour mixture cook about 1-2 minutes.
3. Carefully pour in half and half and milk, whisking constantly. Continue whisking until liquid is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
4. Add in melted Velveeta cheese and whisk to combine. Add in the cans of cheddar cheese soup and whisk until everything is smooth.
5. Stir in hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder.
6. Add in boiled potatoes, stir, and place lid on pot.
7. Cook over LOW heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

To Serve:

1. Top individual servings with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon and fresh chives.