Potato Cream Cheese Soup
Submitted By: Taz
Ingredients:
1 lb Cream Cheese - room temperature and cubed
6 slices Bacon - chopped
4 Large Russet Potatoes - peeled and small diced apx ¼ inch 'cubes'
2 medium Celery Stalks - small diced
1 medium Carrot - peeled and small diced
1 medium Onion - diced
6 Cups Chicken Stock
1 Cup Sour Cream
4 Tbs Unsalted Butter
4 Tbs All Purpose Flour
Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste
-OPTIONAL-
8 oz Cremini Mushrooms - small chopped
1 Cup Frozen Peas
1 Cup Frozen Corn
-OPTIONAL GARNISH-
Fresh Chives OR Chopped Green Onions
A Little Grated Cheese Of Choice
Additional Crumbled Bacon
Preparation:
- Place a large skillet over medium-low heat - Add butter and bacon to the cold skillet
- Cook bacon until crispy (apx 15 minutes) - Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and set aside on paper towel to drain (leaving butter and bacon grease in skillet)
- Add the carrot and onion to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes - Add the celery (and mushrooms if using) - Continue to sauté until celery is tender and onions are translucent apx 3-4 minutes more)
- SLOWLY whisk in the flour 1 Tbs at a time until fully combined - Allow to cook for until the raw flour smell is gone (apx 1-3 minutes - Remove from heat and set aside
- Place 6-8 quart stock pot over medium-high heat - Add potatoes and chicken stock along with kosher salt to taste (apx 2 tsp) - Bring to a boil
- As soon as a boil has been achieved, reduce heat to medium-low and allow to cook until potatoes are cooked through and tender
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the onion/flour mixture until thoroughly combined
- Using a slotted spoon or a potato masher, mash some of the potatoes (I mash about half the pot - I just draw an imaginary line down the middle and just mash on one side of it until satisfied)
- OPTIONAL - If using, add the frozen peas and/or corn and allow to cook for 4-5 minutes before proceeding
- Stir in the sour cream and cream cheese to the soup and stir until melted and smooth
- Remove from heat - Add the cooked bacon and pepper to taste (apx 2 tsp) and thoroughly combine
- Adjust seasoning - Serve hot garnished as desired with a good 'hunk' of crusty bread
