Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, cut into ½ -inch pieces
• 1 (3 ½ cups) head broccoli, stalks separated and chopped, florets separated into 1 to 2-inch pieces
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 6 medium russet potatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 (32-ounce) carton chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups Jilbert Dairy milk
• ½ cup Jilbert Dairy heavy whipping cream
• 8 ounces (2 cups) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup sour cream

How to

1. In 8-quart pot cook bacon over medium high heat until brown and crispy (6 to 8 minutes). Place bacon on paper towel lined plate; set aside.
2. Drain off and discard all but about 2 tablespoons bacon drippings. Add chopped broccoli stalks, carrots, celery and onion to reserved bacon drippings. Cook over medium high heat, stirring often, 5 minutes. Add broccoli florets, potatoes and butter. Continue cooking, gently stirring occasionally, 4 minutes. Add chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until mixture comes to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender (15 to 20 minutes).
3. Remove 2/3 of soup to large bowl; puree using submersion blender. Add pureed mixture back to pot; pour in milk, cream and ½ Cheddar cheese. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted (1 to 2 minutes).
4. Serve immediately garnished with sour cream, remaining Cheddar cheese and bacon.