Loaded Potato Soup Using Leftover Mashed Potatoes

If you find yourself with leftover mashed potatoes, one of the best things around is a warm, comforting bowl of Loaded Mashed Potato Soup! There's nothing better in my opinion than to have the aroma of this soup wafting throughout the house during a cold or rainy day...It's, simply put, "Homey" and as comfortable as warm PJ's.

Serve it with hot buttered rolls and you'll have everyone coming back for seconds and perhaps even thirds!

2-3 C. Leftover Mashed Potatoes (or equal parts instant potato flakes and liquid to make the same amt)

1 Pkg. Polska Kielbasa - Diced

4 Tbsp. Butter

1 Tbsp. Minced Garlic

1 Med. Sized Onion - Diced

2 Tbsp. Flour

2 1/2 C. Milk (Divided)

1 32 oz. container Chicken Broth

Ground Pepper and Salt to taste

2 C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

OPTIONAL:

1 Can Corn, Drained

I like to use liners in my slow cooker when making recipes like this, but it isn't a necessity. If using, place Reynolds™ Slow Cooker Liners inside a 5- to 6 1/2 -qt slow cooker bowl. Make sure that the liner fits snugly against the bottom and sides of bowl and pull the top of the liner over the rim of the bowl.

In your slow cooker, add the drained corn (optional), broken up leftover mashed potatoes, chicken broth, 2 cups milk, and the diced polska kielbasa. Set aside.

In a non-stick pan, melt butter, then add and saute garlic and onions till the onions are tender and translucent.

Add the flour to the pan and allow to brown while stirring occasionally (about 1 minute) add in 1/2 cup milk while whisking to make a thick roux.

Add the onion, garlic, roux from the pan into the slow cooker and stir well.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low 6-8 hours (high 3-4 hrs.)

Add in cheese 1/2 hour before serving, stir well, then allow to continue cooking till completely melted.

Serve this with my warm, buttered Bread Machine Yeast Rolls and enjoy this hearty comfort food today!

Enjoy and....Happy Eating!