The Ultimate Baked Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 3 lb mini Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1″ pieces
• 8 strips of cooked bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp reserved bacon grease
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• garlic to taste (I use 8 cloves)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 to 2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon (optional)
• pinch of cayenne (optional)
• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
• toppings: cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions