Recipe(tried): Baked Potato Soup - the best!!!

My recipe doesn't call for them, but I always add chives (to taste) either to the soup, or on top of each bowl.

BAKED POTATO SOUP

9 baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups whole milk

1/2 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup bacon bits, divided use
4 green onions, chopped, divided use
10 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided use
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

Bake potatoes until done. Allow to cool. Then peel and cube into bite size pieces.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook about a minute.

Whisk in milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly until thickened.

Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, 1/3 cup bacon bits, 2 tablespoons green onions and most of the cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated.

Stir in sour cream and heat through.

Serve topped with remaining bacon, green onion, and cheese.