Cheesy Potato & Bacon “Brown Betty” - SippitySup

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick sliced bacon (at room temperature)
• 3 pounds idaho russet potatoes peeled & cut into 2‑inch chunks
• 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup minced chives
• 1 cup coarsely grated cheddar cheese (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 4 slices good quality white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ teaspoon dried sage leaves, crumbled
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crumbled