Cheesiest Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
   
• ½ cup finely diced onion
   
• 2½ cups peeled and diced potatoes
   
• 3 cups chicken broth
   
• 1 cup heavy cream
   
• 1¾ cup shreaded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp), and extra for topping soup
   
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
   
• ¼ tsp salt
   
• 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
   
• Chopped bacon (small bits) for topping (optional)
   
• Sour cream (optional)
   
• Chopped chives (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Cook onion in butter until softened. 
    
2. Stir in potatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then cover.
    
3. Reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
    
4. Puree the potato mixture in a blender or food processor or using an immersion blender.
    
5. Return to medium heat, and stir in cream, cheese, pepper, salt, and cayenne. Bring to a low boil and cook, stirring until thickened, about 5 minutes.