Homestyle Potato Chowder with Crispy Bacon

Ingredients

• Green onions (2, finely chopped)
• Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded)
• Heavy cream (1 cup)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Chicken broth (4 cups)
• Potatoes (4 medium, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
• Carrots (2, chopped)
• Onion (1 large, diced)
• Bacon (6 strips, chopped)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.
5. Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to create a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks for a heartier feel.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Serve the chowder hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and chopped green onions.