2Cut the potatoes into quarters, then cut each quarter into thirds, aiming for about this size.
3Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of water to prevent them from turning brown.
4Dice one yellow onion.
5Mince 3 to 4 cloves of garlic.
6Shred about 8 ounces of smoked gouda and 8 ounces of cheddar cheese.
7Dice 5 to 6 strips of bacon.
8Combine approximately 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika in a small container for seasoning.
9Add the diced bacon to a pot on medium-high heat and cook until crispy, rendering down all the fat. Remove the crispy bacon, leaving the grease in the pot.
10Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot with the bacon grease.
11Add half of the seasoning mixture to the butter and bacon grease and mix to bloom the seasonings.
12Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, mix, and cook until the onions are softened.
13Add 3 more tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
14Add 5 tablespoons of flour and immediately mix it in, letting it cook for about 2 minutes.
15Slowly add 3 cups of chicken stock, a little at a time, whisking continuously to ensure everything is mixed in.
16Add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream.
17Add the remaining seasoning mixture.
18Add the potatoes to the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
19Mash the potatoes slightly with a potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
20Add another half cup of chicken stock.
21Add the cooked bacon, chives, and shredded cheese to the soup, then stir until the cheese is melted.
22Serve the soup in a bowl and top with sour cream, bacon, chives, and more cheese.