Best Homemade Potato Soup (Creamy, Cozy, and Easy)

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 lb (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
• Reserved crispy bacon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• Extra shredded cheddar, optional
• Black pepper, optional