Super Cheesy (and Chunky) Potato Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 ½ cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded and divided
• ¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

1. Heat a large saucepan to medium-high. Add butter and onion, and sauté until translucent. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
2. Add flour and stir until absorbed. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and stir frequently, 5 minutes.
3. Add potatoes and simmer until potatoes are just tender. Add cream cheese and milk and 1 cup Colby Jack cheese. Cook on low heat, stirring often, until soup is creamy and potatoes are thoroughly cooked. In the last 5 minutes of cooking time, add 1 cup frozen peas and more salt and pepper, to taste. Soup is ready once peas have heated through.
4. To serve, ladle soup into a bowl. Top with chopped bacon, green onion, and reserved cheese.