Recipe: Chef Kevin Belton’s Comforting Potato Soup [Video]

5 slices bacon, diced

3 Tbsp. bacon grease or butter

1 cup onion, diced

1 Tbsp. Creole seasoning 

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken stock

2 cups milk

1.5 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, diced

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 tsp. kosher salt, or more to taste

1/2 tsp. black pepper

optional toppings: thinly sliced green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, extra bacon, sour cream

Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat.  Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.  Transfer the bacon to a separate plate, using a slotted spoon, reserving about 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.

Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in the Creole seasoning, and garlic and sauté for an extra 1-2 minutes, stirring …