last week my sister tried to convince me that campbell's chunky potato soup taste "just" like panera bread's potato soup. so i decided to give it a try. well, after some salt and pepper it was okay. 

for those of you who have never experienced eating at panera bread. i'm sorry. it is on my top 3 favorite places to eat and the fact that there isn't one ANYWHERE in the west is a tragedy. for real.

so after eating that can of soup it just made me crave the real deal even more. 

that's when pinterest always comes to save the day!

Copycat Panera's Baked Potato Soup

via

• 6 C. chicken broth
• 6 C. potatoes, peeled and cubed (i used yellow potatos)
• 1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
• 1/4 tsp. white pepper
• 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (i only used 1/8 tsp but wish i would have used even less with kids eating it)
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cut into chunks, room temperature
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, but really it's not)

Directions

Combine broth, potatoes and spices. Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender. Smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch for thickening (i scooped some out and smashed them on a plate with a fork). If you like it smooth smash more, if you like it chunky just smash a little of it. You can decide the texture of it. Reduce to low heat. Add cream cheese (and I added half the bacon). Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle a little bacon (and cheese and chives if you would like)over each bowl of soup. (we used store bought bread bowls)

Serves 6

it is seriously so easy and delicious! the hardest part is peeling/cutting the potato's.

and by the way, i'm pretty sure it was even yummier today for lunch. 

enjoy!!!