Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, but leave some rendered fat in the pot.

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic:

• Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

1. Cook the Potatoes:

• Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them around for a minute or two. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme if using. Let the potatoes cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

1. Blend the Soup (optional):

• For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup (leaving some chunks of potato for texture) or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend, then return it to the pot.

1. Add the Cream:

• Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and butter (optional). Let it warm through and stir until the soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

1. Add Bacon and Cheese:

• Stir in half of the cooked bacon pieces (reserving the rest for garnish) and the shredded cheddar cheese if using. Allow the cheese to melt into the soup.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with the remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and extra cheese if desired.

Enjoy your hearty, comforting bowl of Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup!