Loaded Potato Chowder
Ingredients
3 baking potatoes3 1/2 cups milk, divided
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter
2-3 green onions with tops
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
Optional toppings such as chopped cooked bacon, sour cream or steamed broccoli florets
Instructions
Slice potatoes in half lengthwise, place in microwave bowl and cover. Pour 1/2 cup of the milk over potatoes. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 11 minutes. Remove from microwave. Move center potatoes to ends and outer potatoes to center. Cover; microwave on HIGH 8-11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Remove from microwave. Coarsely mash potatoes.Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add remaining 3 cups milk, whisking until smooth. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to potatoes. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 3-5 minutes or until mixture is hot. Slice green onions.
Carefully remove from microwave. Grate cheddar cheese over chowder add green onions, salt and black pepper and mix until cheese is melted. Serve with toppings, if desired.