Ingredients
12ozsmoked bacon
1small onion
2celery stalks
1large carrot
2tspgarlic,minced
2lbsred potatoes,cubed
6chicken bouillon cubes
⅔cupunsalted butter
¾cupwhite flour
4cupswhole milk,room temperature
8ozsour cream
2½cupssharp cheddar cheese,separated
salt and pepper
chives,or green onions
Preparation
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 for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the onion is translucent over medium heat. Add the garlic in the last 30 seconds. Add in the potatoes and toss everything to coat.
Cover everything with 6 cups of water and 6 regular sized chicken bouillon cubes.
Heat to boiling, 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 1 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.
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 ½ cup of cheese, remaining bacon, and remaining chives.
Serve and enjoy!
