Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Toast:
4 slices of crusty bread
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (reserved from soup)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Add the diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot.
