Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the roux
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden, stirring so it stays smooth.
Thicken the soup
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Add potatoes and flavor
- Fold in the chopped baked russet potato flesh and mash some pieces into the soup. Stir until the potatoes are evenly distributed.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and sour cream until smooth. Season with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Finish and serve
- Fold in half of the crumbled bacon. Heat just until warmed through, then ladle into bowls.
- Serve loaded with sour cream, shredded cheddar, remaining bacon, and chives. Keep the soup hot in the pot while topping each bowl.
Notes
Pro tip: whisk the milk and broth in slowly to prevent lumps, and keep the heat at medium so the cheddar melts smoothly. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days; freezer is not recommended because the texture can break after thawing. For a lighter version, use 2% milk and light sour cream (texture will be slightly less rich).
