Loaded Baked Potato Chowder

This is a pampered chef recipe. It is WAY yummy and so easy. Enjoy!

3 large baking potatoes
3 1/2 c. milk, divided
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbls butter
2-3 green onions with tops
4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
optional toppings such as chopped cooked bacon, sour cream or steamed broccoli florets

Slice potatoes in half lengthwise; place in a deep microwavable pan. Pour 1/2 cup of the milk over potatoes. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 11 minutes. Remove baker from microwave. Move center potatoes to ends of baker and outer potatoes to center. Cover; microwave on HIGH 8-11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Remove pan from microwave. Coarsely mas potatoes.
Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth in bowl. Slowly add remaining 3 cups milk, whisking until smooth. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to pan. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 3-5 minutes or until mixture is hot.
Slice green onions
Carefully remove pan from microwave. Grate cheddar cheese over chowder; add green onion, salt and black pepper and mix until cheese is melted.
Serve with toppings, if desired