Panera Bread's Creamy Potato Soup

I've never been to Panera Bread, so I couldn't tell you if this is similar. I can tell you it's delicious and simple to make. I didn't have bacon, but it's still delicious even without. I topped mine with cheese and left the skin on my potatoes. Recipe courtesy of Lynn's Kitchen Adventures (she found a copy cat version of the recipe and tweaked it to her liking). YUMMY! Serving size is estimated.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 6  cups chicken broth
• 6  cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 8  ounces cream cheese (cut into chunks, at room temperature)
• 4  slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)

Directions

1. Combine broth, potatoes, and spices.
2. Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender.
3. Smash a few potatoes to release the starch for thickening.
4. If you like it chunky just smash a small amount of potato, but if you want it smooth smash more potatoes.
5. Reduce to low heat and add cream cheese.
6. Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts.
7. Ladle into bowls.
8. Sprinkle a little bacon over each bowl of soup.