📖 Instructions

1. Prep the bacon: Dice the bacon into small pieces. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and celery to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Mince the garlic and add it to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Pro-tip: Don’t let the garlic burn!
3. Add broth and potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Add the potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. I sometimes throw in a bay leaf for added flavor. Don't forget to take it out later!
4. Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold milk until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the soup, stirring constantly. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Don't skip whisking the cornstarch and milk together first, or you'll end up with clumps. Speaking from experience here.
5. Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. At this point, I always taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Some people like it more salty, some less. Your call!
6. Blend (optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Be careful not to over-blend, or the soup can become gluey. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer some of the soup to a regular blender, blend, and return it to the pot. Remember to vent the blender to prevent explosions!
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream (optional). Serve hot and enjoy! I like to add a sprinkle of paprika for a little extra color. Looks fancy, right?