Proper Comfort Cheesy Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup Easy

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) Smoked Streaky Bacon (or Pancetta), cubed or diced
• 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
• 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 2 Bay Leaves, whole
• 6 cups (1.4 Litres) Unsalted Chicken Stock (or Vegetable Stock)
• 5 lbs (1.1 kg) Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 4 oz (115 g) Cream Cheese, full fat, softened and cubed
• 1 cup (240 mL) Double Cream (Heavy Cream)
• 1 cup (115 g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded
• 2 tbsp Fresh Chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Bacon Bits (for garnish)