Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Wash potatoes; prick several times with a fork. Bake at 400F degrees for 1 hour or until done; let cool.

Peel potatoes, and slice crosswise. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon, and set aside. Cook onion in drippings, stirring constantly, until tender; add flour, stirring well. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add chicken broth; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in potato, half-and-half, and next 6 ingredients. Bring to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes (do not boil).

Stir in 1 cup cheese and 1/4 cup green onions. Cook until cheese melts, stirring often. Ladle soup into individual soup bowls. Top evenly with crumbled bacon. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 3/4 cup cheese, 3/4 cup green onions, and parsley.