Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
• 5-6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 celery stalk, plus leaves, minced
• 1/2 white or yellow onion, minced
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• Sour cream, for serving
• Cracked black pepper, for garnish