Church Lunch Soup

Ingredients

• 4 ounces bacon, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• neutral-flavored oil, optional, to taste
• 1 cup onions, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 4 russet potatoes, optionally peeled, diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sharp or aged cheddar cheese, shredded
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions or chives, thinly sliced
• sour cream, to taste
• cheddar cheese, to taste, shredded