LOADED POTATO SOUP

Ingredients

Serves 6-8 sides
• 4 slices of cooked bacon, diced.
• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups of onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
• 5 cups of cubed potatoes, about ½ inch chunks (4-5 larger Russet potatoes)
• 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
• 32 ounces of chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon of salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon of ground thyme
• ½ cup of flour
• 1 ½ cup of half and half
• ½ cup of sour cream
• 2 cups of cheddar cheese
• garnish with chopped green onions and sour cream

Instructions

Serves 6-8 sides
1. In a heavy bottom pot over medium high heat, cook bacon. Once bacon has been cooked, set it to the side and discard any fat remaining. Add in butter, let it melt and add in onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until onions are translucent. Add in garlic, and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add in the flour, and whisk it around for a minute, before slowly whisking in the half and half and chicken broth. Once all ingredients have combined, add in the seasonings, potatoes, and celery. Bring soup to a simmer and cover halfway. Cook for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. While potatoes are cooking, roughly chop the bacon, and keep to the side.
3. Once potatoes are tender, lower heat to low and add in chopped bacon, sour cream, and cheese. Gently stir, and wait 2-3 minutes for bacon to heat through and cheese to melt.
4. Serve.
5. ENJOY WITH YOUR FAMILY!