Creamy Bacon Potato Soup

By dcarriger56

Ingredients

• 5 large baking potatoes, cooked and cut in 1-inch cubes
• 8 slices thick cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped (reserve some for topping)
• 2 – 3 tbsp. bacon drippings
• 1 cup sweet onions, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

You'll need to start by preparing your potatoes and bacon (be sure to reserve bacon grease).

Using a large stock pot over medium heat, cook onion in bacon drippings, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add garlic and flour, stirring well and cook another 2 minutes, stirring often.

Slowly add chicken broth to onion and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in potatoes, half-and-half, and next 6 ingredients. Bring to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes (do not boil). Stir in bacon.

Serve hot. Spoon into bowls and garnish with cheddar cheese and bacon.