Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the Soup:
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup, or transfer about half of the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and return it to the pot.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
Add Dairy:
Stir in the milk and heavy cream.
Allow the soup to heat through over low heat, but do not let it boil.
Season and Serve:
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Stir in half of the cooked bacon and the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted.
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining bacon, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For added richness, you can substitute the whole milk with half-and-half or additional heavy cream.
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the dairy from curdling.