Bacon & Smoked Cheddar Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add diced onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer to a regular blender in batches). Be careful with hot liquids.
6. Return the blended soup to the heat, stir in the milk or heavy cream, and add the shredded smoked cheddar cheese. Cook until cheese melts and the soup is heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon and optional green onions or chives.
Enjoy