GF Creamy Cheesy Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 Stick Country crock plant butter
• 2 Tsp Minced garlic
• 5 Lb Russet or golden potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 7-8 Cups Pacific Foods Chicken Broth
• 2 Tsp Dried parsley
• 1/2 Cup Cornstarch
• 3 Cups Extra creamy Almond Milk
• 3-4 Cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2-3/4 Cup Sour cream or dairy free alternative
• 1-2 Tsp Garlic Salt
• 3/4 Tsp Black pepper
• 12-16 Strips Costco microwave bacon, cooked and cut up

Instructions

1. Mince the garlic.
2. In a large stockpot, melt 2 tablespoons of plant butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute or until garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the broth, potatoes, and parsley and stir.
4. Bring to a boil, stir, then turn to low heat, cover pot with lid, and let simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes.
5. In a smaller pot, melt the remaining plant butter, then whisk in the cornstarch. Add the almond milk, whisking until smooth. Continue whisking as you bring to a boil and continue boiling until starts to thicken, about 5-6 minutes, then remove from heat. (It will really increase in volume as it thickens - you’ll definitely be able to tell!)
6. Gradually add the milk mixture into the stockpot once the potatoes are tender. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and let boil for about 5 minutes to thicken the soup a bit. Reduce heat to simmer and stir in shredded cheese or cheese cubes.
7. When the cheese is melted, add sour cream, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until all is warmed through to desired temperature. Taste to see if you would prefer additional garlic salt or pepper.
8. While soup is warming through or left on lowest setting to keep warm, cook bacon. Crumble/cut into small pieces. Stir some into soup and serve some in a bowl so everyone can add their desired amount to their soup.
9. Serve with additional shredded cheese and green onions for everyone to add as desired.
10. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen. To enjoy leftovers, you’ll want to add a bit of almond milk when reheating. You can reheat in the microwave or on stove top.