Name: The Best Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min

The Best Potato Soup

The ultimate comfort food for a rainy day, this recipe is not only creamy and delicious but it’s also really quick to make!

5 slices bacon, diced OR 1 Lb sausage (I use Jimmy Dean All Natural Regular Pork Sausage)
3 tablespoons (reserved) grease or butter
1 cup diced white or yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups milk, warmed
1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
Optional toppings: Sliced green onions/chives, thyme, extra shredded cheese, extra bacon, sour cream

Step 1
Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon (or sausage) and cook until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally. Transfer the bacon or sausage to a separate plate, using a slotted spoons. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of grease in the stockpot. (Discard any extra grease or you can substitute butter) Note: To save time, dice the potatoes and onion while the bacon or sausage cooks to save time!
Step 2
Add onion and saute for 5 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally.
Step 3
Add the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Stir the flour into the mixture and saute for an additional 1 minute to cook the flour.
Step 5
Slowly pour the stock until combined, followed by the milk and potatoes.
Step 6
Continue cooking until the mixture just reaches a simmer, before it begins to boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Make sure to stir the soup every few minutes so that the bottom does not burn. (The smaller you dice your potatoes, the faster your soup will cook) 7. Once the potatoes are nice and soft, stir in the cheddar cheese and sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salt, pepper and cooked bacon or sausage. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 7
Serve warm, garnished with desired toppings. Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

The Best Potato Soup