Loaded Red Potato Soup

• Meat

  • 1 package Bacon, smoked
  • 6 Chicken boullion, regular sized

• Produce

  • 1 Carrot, large
  • 2 stalks Celery
  • 1 Chives or green onions
  • 2 tsp Garlic
  • 1 Onion, small
  • 2 lbs Red potatoes

• Baking & Spices

  • 3/4 cup Flour, white
  • 1 Salt and pepper

• Dairy

  • 2/3 cup Butter, unsalted
  • 2 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp
  • 1 container Sour cream
  • 4 cups Whole milk

Found on chelseasmessyapron.com

Description

Directions

• Prep: Wash the red potatoes and cut into small cubes. Peel if desired (I like to leave the peel on). Dice the onion, dice the celery, dice the carrot.
• In a very large pot, over medium heat, cook all of the bacon to desired doneness.
• Remove onto a paper towel lined plate and dab off the excess grease. Coarsely chop the bacon.
• Drain all of the bacon fat except for 3 tablespoons.
• Add in the onion, celery, and carrot and cook until the onion is translucent over medium heat, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic in the last 30 seconds.
• Add in the potatoes and toss everything to coat.
• Cover everything with 6 cups water and 6 regular sized chicken boullion cubes (watch out, there are extra large ones -- if you get large ones adjust) OR 6 cups chicken stock.
• Heat to boiling and then reduce the heat and cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
• Using a potato masher, mash down some of the tender potatoes, leaving some chunks.
• In another pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Slowly whisk in the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for one minute over medium heat.
• Very slowly add in 2 cups of room temperature milk.
• Whisk until thickened. Add in a generous amount of salt and pepper (I add about a tsp of each, but to your preference!)
• To the potatoes: add in the cream mixture, additional 2 cups of milk, sour cream, generous amount of chives or green onions, 2 cups of the cheese, and half of the cooked bacon.
• Stir and cook until heated and cheese is melted.
• Top individual bowls with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, remaining bacon, and remaining chives/green onions.
• Enjoy!