Ultra-Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients

- 6 servings +

• 3 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, for roux thickening
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream, for luscious finish
• ½ cup sour cream, full-fat preferred
• 2 cups sharp yellow cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided
• 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp garlic powder, for savory depth
• ¼ cup fresh chives or green scallions, finely sliced, for garnish