Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook Bacon:
   • In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
   • Add diced onions to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend Soup:
   • Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return it to the pot.
5. Add Dairy:
   • Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Heat the soup over low heat, making sure not to bring it to a boil.
6. Cheesy Goodness:
   • Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Season to Perfection:
   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives for a burst of flavor and freshness.
9. Enjoy!
   • Dive into a bowl of this comforting goodness, and let the delightful combination of potatoes, bacon, and cheese warm your soul.