GRANNY'S HEARTY POTATO SOUP

Granny's Hearty Potato Soup image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 16

12 slices bacon
1 (32 oz.) carton low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water, optional
5 russet potatoes, cubed
1 yellow onion, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups half-and-half
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy, then transfer to a separate, paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but 3 tablespoons bacon fat and return pot to heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, then add onions and celery and sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until softened. Season generously with salt and pepper, dried parsley and red pepper flakes, if using. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth (and water, if thinner consistency is desired) and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into 2 tablespoons water, then pour slurry into soup. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in sour cream, cream cheese and half-and-half. Stir until cream cheese and sour cream melt smoothly, and cook for another 5 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary, then transfer to serving bowls. Top with crumbled bacon and freshly ground pepper and enjoy!