Cheesy Bacon Loaded Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb bacon, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 5 tbsp flour
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by dicing your vegetables: 1/2 yellow onion, 2 celery stalks, 3 cloves garlic, 4 potatoes.
2. Chop 1 lb bacon strips.
3. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pot.
4. Sauté the diced onion and celery in the bacon grease until softened.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Add smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toast the spices.
7. Stir in 5 tbsp flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
8. Pour in 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth and whisk until smooth.
9. Add 1 tbsp tomato paste.
10. Add diced potatoes and bring to a boil.
11. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
12. Add 2 cups heavy cream and stir.
13. Let simmer for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
15. Add chopped green onions and cooked bacon.
16. Season with black pepper to taste.