Potato Soup that's better than O'Charley's!

I've been looking for a potato soup recipe that would top O'Charley's potato soup which has long been my standard for judging potato soups -- until they changed the recipe (or supplier).

I think I've found it. How can you be sure, you ask?

Me: How does it taste?
Husband: Good
Me: Good, Good? or just good?
Husband: I said it was really good.
Me: No. You just said good. You didn't say really good.
Husband: How would you like me to answer the question?

Later, I sit down at the table and try my first bite.

Me: wow, this is good.
Husband: It's better than O'Charley's. My daughter and I exchange shocked looks.
Daughter: Wow. Wait, the old O'Charley's soup or the new one?
Husband: The old one.

Booyah! Before I send you off to try the recipe for yourself, let me tell you what I changed:

1. I used my Food Processorto chop the onion.
2. I forgot to add pepper.
3. I cooked the potatoes longer than "half done" before adding the ingredients. I apparently have an issue with reading directions. I have no problem following them. I just can't seem to read and comprehend them.
4. Because I cooked the potatoes longer than I should have, the soup was thicker than it should have been. I added one to two cups of milk to it at the end to make it creamier.
5. We topped with real bacon and shredded cheddar.
   

The recipe makes a big batch and it's a hearty bowl full. But, not so heavy that you won't want two bowls -- like my husband did.

Enjoy :)

Heartwarming Potato Soup from Cooks.com